How was non-cooperation a form of protest?

Non-cooperation as a form of protest:

(i) Gandhiji decided to start non-cooperation as a unique form of protest in freedom struggle against the imperial British rule. He hoped that by coupling non-cooperation with Khilafat, two major communities, Hindu and Muslim could collectively bring an end to colonial rule. This form was definitely unleased a serge of popular action that was altogether unprecedented in colonial India.

(ii) During Non-Cooperation Movement students stoped going to schools and colleges run by the British Government. Lawyers refuse to attend court.

(iii) The working class went on strike in many towns and cities. According to official figure, there were 396 strikes in 1921 involving six lacks workers and loss of seven million work days.

(iv) The countryside was seething with discontent two. Hill tribes in northern Andhra violated by the forest laws. Farmers in Awadh did not pay taxes. Peasants in Kumaun refused to carry loads of colonial officials. These protest movements were sometimes carried out in defence of the local nationalist leadership.

Peasants, workers and others interpreted and acted upon the call to, “non-cooperate” with colonial rule in ways that best suited their interest, rather than conform to the dictates laid down from above.