Understanding Hartal: A Form of Protest in India and South Asia

Hartal (also spelled hartal or hartaal) is a form of protest or strike that is commonly used in India and other parts of South Asia. It is a day when all businesses and schools are closed, and people stay at home to show their support for the cause. Hartals can be called for a variety of reasons, such as political demands, labor disputes, or to protest against social issues.
Hartals can be peaceful or violent, depending on the situation. In some cases, they can turn into riots and clashes between protesters and police. The Indian government has been known to impose curfews and other restrictions during hartals to prevent violence and maintain order.
The word "hartal" is derived from the Hindi and Urdu words for "closure" or "shutdown." It is a term that is widely used in India and other parts of South Asia, and it is often seen as a powerful tool for expressing public opinion and bringing attention to important issues.