Srinagar, Sept. 26 -- "This man has been shouting outside our office for the last few days."

The Personal Assistant placed his phone on the District Collector's desk and played a video.

On the screen stood a thin, weather-beaten man in worn clothes, surrounded by a few villagers. His voice was loud, but there was something unusual about it. It was not the voice of a habitual protester. It carried the weight of years-years of waiting, pleading, disappointment and silence.

"Does he have any genuine reason for creating this disturbance?" the District Collector asked.

"Yes, Sir."

"What is it?"

"Water scarcity."

The Collector looked up.

"Water scarcity? In this area?"

"Yes, Sir."

The Collector sighed and leaned back in his chair.

"W...