SFI is protesting fuel hikes but by following social distancing rules. Here's how

COVID-19 fear is a very real thing and experts all around the world have been advising people to practise social distancing and self-isolation. This will essentially put a halt on all public gatherings and events. However, there arises a question – How would one hold a protest or raise their voice against injustice? Especially at a time when the entire country has been holding protests over the last three months.

Looks like the Students’ Federation of India has gotten it all figured out. On March 21, around 4 Lakh SFI activists across Kerala will raise their voice against the fuel price hike. Adhering to social distancing, none of them will go to the streets. Instead, they will conduct a ‘Status March’ where the protestors will post messages across Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, supporting the cause.

The status march will be inaugurated by the SFI National President V P Sanu. “In this current scenario, social distancing has to be practised mandatorily, to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, at the same time, we have to raise our voice too. So, this looked like the best possible option,” says VA Vineesh, SFI Kerala State President. “Previously, during the time when demonetisation was announced, we had conducted a similar Facebook status march,” he adds.

The activists will be posting their status with #Karuthalaavendavar #Kollanadathumbol, which translates to ‘when the protectors loot’. Despite a dip in the fuel price internationally, the Indian government on Saturday hiked the excise duty on petrol and diesel by 3 rupees. The Special excise duty on petrol was hiked by (from?) Rs 2 to Rs 8 per litre of petrol and to Rs 4 for diesel.