The Indian government has reacted to the worldwide criticism that the country has attracted over farmers’ protests. In an official statement, Ministry of foreign affairs said statements made by foreign individuals were neither accurate nor responsible.
Vested interest groups are trying to enforce their agenda on the protests to derail them, the government said while adding that these groups have tried to mobilise global support against India. The statement also referred to “sensationalist social media hashtags and comments” by “celebrities and others” without naming anyone.
“We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse,” the statement said.
“Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken. The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible,” it said.
The development comes after pop sensation Rihanna raised her voice against the internet cut on the outskirts of New Delhi, followed by Greta Thunberg’s solidarity with the protesting farmers.
On Tuesday singer Rihanna’s tweet in support of Indians farmers attracted worldwide criticism of government’s law. “Why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest,” Rihanna had tweeted along with a link to the CNN article that talked about internet shutdown in the country.
“We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India,” Greta Thungberg activist said in her tweet.
Author Meena Harris, niece of US vice-president Kamala Harris, also tweeted about the farmers’ protest. “We ALL should be outraged by India’s internet shutdowns and paramilitary violence against farmer protesters,” she wrote.
Mia Khalifa, too, weighed in her opinion as she called the internet shutdown a violation of human rights.