Tensions built up over the past weeks over worker rights at a ceramics factory in Yanam, Andra Pradesh, India. Management of the ceramics factory used local judges and police to lock workers out or arrest them. Workers have no police or judges to negotiate for their side. When one worker, Murali Mohan, organized a small strike, management of the factory called in police to remove them from the picket line. Police beat Murali Mohan to death with batons.
What did the workers do? Did they sit down and take the violence. Did they shout “Shame! Shame! Shame!” to the police who were defending the wealth and resources of a small minority? Did they remind the police of Ghandi’s non-violence? Did they let themselves be arrested and beaten so that those viewing the incident would feel sympathy and join their cause?
