It appears Orwell is referring to the “pacifists” that think any violence ever, even in self defense, is bad. A radical pacifist, if you will.

I don’t know who this is but I’m here for the tea

I disagree about it being permissable. If anything it makes you a hypocrite and undermines the appearance of intelligence and empathy, alike. The complaint is also misguided and simply wrong. Saying nothing will change is absurd. Things are already changing. These rallies raise awareness for everyone. You can’t have a general strike until you get everyone to agree to it.

Maybe not the government, but look to the people.