There's no stopping them

A fresh wind is blowing... It’s time to sit up and take note. PREETHA KADHIR recalls some recent instances of student activism that made headlines across the world

The flags of China and Hong Kong are seen above tents outside Legislative Council Complex at an occupied area in Hong Kong on November 11,2014.

I ndia against discrimination

Across the length and breath of India, there are many diverse groups that sometimes one seems so alien to the other. People from the North East are still considered 'foreigners' by many. A 20-year-old from Arunachal Pradesh, Nido Tania was attacked in South Delhi and he died of severe lung and brain injuries. Students and activists expressed their anger and protested against this discrimination of students from the North East. Candle-light vigils were held which was also joined by politicians and they have vowed to address this recurring concern.

Hong Kong: The umbrellas are out!

Hong Kong was in the news the whole of last month after students occupied the streets demanding full democracy to this former British colony. This protest came to be known as the Umbrella Protest as the students used umbrella to protect themselves from the police. Hong Kong is the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. China has dismissed the demands saying that there was no room for concessions in important principles. The protesters also demand the the resignation of the Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.

Mexico in turmoil

On 26 of September, students from a teacher training college in Ayotzinapa travelled to Iguala to protest and raise funds. After a clash, six were shot dead and 43 disappeared. Though investigations are on to probe the missing students, many Mexicans feel the pace is depressingly slow. There have been protest marches happening in the city spearheaded by students. The mayor of Iguala Jose Luis Abarca and his wife have been arrested based on accusations that the former had asked the police in Iguala to take control od the students so that they don’t interrupt a speech his wife was giving. Some of the arrested officers told investigators that the students were handed over to a local drugs gang.

Taiwan:’No’ to China

In March, Taiwan saw one of the biggest student protests. The students occupied the legislature for 24 days protesting against a trade deal with China. The protesters were of the view that such trade services deal with China would hurt the economy of Taiwan and probably make it vulnerable to China. Another group of protesters stormed the government headquarters on March 23 turning the protests violent. This Sunflower movement came to an end after Legislative speaker Wang Jin-pyng pledged to halt debate on the services trade pact with China until new oversight rules are passed.

Venezuela Upheaval

It all began in February with few students of the states of Tachira and Merida demanding more security after an alleged rape of a female student. The students started protesting against the record inflation and shortage of food items as well. Basically, there was an anti-government wave sweeping the country. These protests turned violent after the arrest of several students.The situation worsened after three people were shot down in spite of the march being peaceful. The government head by President Maduro blamed the opposition for trying to stage a coup with backing from the United States and arrested a number of opposition leaders. The President even called them ‘fascists’. Though largely by the students, these protests were also joined by the middle-class of Venezuela. It is touted as the largest protest in over a decade. Nevertheless, the government seem to be popular with the working class voters.