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Sankar Radhakrishnan

STAGING a protest, it is often said, comes naturally to Kerala's politically conscious populace. So, it is hardly surprising that the people of the State are up in arms, demonstrating against the US-led war in Iraq.

Besides the ubiquitous rallies and public meetings, anti-war sentiments have been expressed through magic shows and music concerts.

One British citizen who lives in the State has even threatened to wear purdah to protest against the war! Anti-war campaigners have, however, reserved their strongest ire for the US- and UK-based multinational companies (MNCs) that operate in the State.

At the top of the anti-war brigade's hit list are Pepsi and Coca-Cola — every MNC-basher's favourite targets — followed by Hindustan Lever.

The Anti-War Forum in the State has called for a "voluntary" boycott of the products of these three companies.

The forum has appealed to consumers in Kerala to shun the products of these corporates and instead use natural drinks such as tender coconut water and other indigenously prepared products. Simultaneously, the forum has also called on shopkeepers across the State to stop stocking the products of MNCs that have their roots in the US and the UK.

The objective is to turn Kerala into a "Coke and Pepsi free" State by April 13, the anniversary of the Jalianwalla Bagh Massacre, say anti-war campaigners. In the first phase of the campaign, activists of the forum have started fanning out across the State, attempting to educate consumers and retailers on the "boycott MNCs" movement.

While most people oppose the war, there is some concern as to how "voluntary" the MNC boycott will really be.

This disquiet has been fuelled by the statements of some of those who are part of the anti-war effort. Speaking to a Malayalam television channel a few days ago, a "young" leader of the anti-war crusade said the first leg of the campaign would focus on "persuading" retailers to refrain from stocking the products of MNCs.

In the next phase, anti-war activists would exert some "pressure" on those shopkeepers who failed to toe the anti-war line. Just what form this "pressure" will take was not spelt out!

What is also not very clear is why the anti-war campaigners have chosen to zero in on Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Hindustan Lever alone. Equally hazy is whether the anti-war brigade will target other US-headquartered companies, including ones that sell computer chips, computer software and pharmaceutical products in Kerala.

And what about foreign exchange remittances from non-resident Keralites working in the US and the UK — will the anti-war brigade oppose these inflows? Or as one Kerala-based entrepreneur wryly observed: "What will it be next — a social boycott of all families with relatives in the US and the UK unless these non-resident Keralites return immediately?"

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