You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership has borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?

-> Representing their demands before State Admin. -> Provide counseling for legal routes for their distress. -> Giving them assurance of taking their demands to higher authorities in lieu of vacating the area.

Alongwith this, adequate food & water and resting measures for passengers at platform, diversion of certain trains to other routes.

Emotional intelligence is an important tool for handling such issues which are outcome of brewing public distrust.

Being emotional about the situation can lead to either the situation deteriorating (outright removal of peasants using force) or there being no result. Here, emotional attitude should be mixed with rational approach of problem solving, which takes into account the emotional considerations of people.

Steps to prevent such incidents:

-> If economically viable, block access (fencing, wall, security presence) at such an important junction of trade.

-> Request the District Admn to consult/cooperate in case such an issue starts to boil.

-> Awareness in peasants and others also general public regarding how the rail route is lifeline to economy of their area, thus blocking it is hurting them only in the longer run.