Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday, 2 February, tweeted support to the farmers’ protest in India, soon after singer-actor Rihanna’s post on the agitation went viral.
“We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India,” tweeted Thunberg, along with a link to a story on the internet shutdown imposed around Delhi.
Apart from Thunberg, UK Member of Parliament Claudia Webbe also expressed solidarity with the Indian farmers.
“Solidarity to the Indian Farmers. Thank you Rihanna. In an era where political leadership is lacking we are grateful for others stepping forward,” she wrote along with sharing a screenshot of Rihanna’s tweet.
Prior to this, Thunberg had also spoken against the NEET and JEE exams in 2020 and had come forward in support of students.
Demanding the postponement of exams in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, she tweeted “It’s deeply unfair that students of India are asked to sit for national exams during the Covid-19 pandemic and while millions have also been impacted by the extreme floods. I stand with their call to #PostponeJEE_NEETinCOVID.”
Author and niece of US Vice President Kamala Harris, Meena also showed her support on social media towards the agitating farmers as well.
She wrote on Twitter, “It’s no coincidence that the world’s oldest democracy was attacked not even a month ago, and as we speak, the most populous democracy is under assault.”
“This is related. We ALL should be outraged by India’s internet shutdowns and paramilitary violence against farmer protesters,” she added.
Farmers’ agitation has been going on in India since more than two months against the three farm laws passed by the Centre. These protests took a violent turn during the tractor rally planned by farmers on January 26, which led to clashes between farmers and police officials.
Following the chaos that unfolded on January 26, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered a suspension of internet services in and around Ghazipur border, Singhu border and Tikri border on January 29. This shutdown of internet services was extended till Tuesday.