‘Ascertain facts first’: Centre on int’l support for farm stir
MEA calls for ‘proper understanding’ after Rihanna, Greta Thunberg, Meena Harris support stir
NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday slammed the remarks made by American singer Rihanna and other celebrities and activists on farmer protests, saying the facts on the issue must be ascertained before rushing to comment on it, and asserted that the “temptation” of sensationalist social media hashtags and views is “neither accurate nor responsible”.
The strong reaction by the ministry of external affairs came after Rihanna, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, American actress Amanda Cerny, US Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece Meena Harris and several other prominent people took to Twitter to lent their voices to the months-long farmer protests against three newly enacted farm laws.
The MEA also said some “vested interest groups” are trying to enforce their agenda on the protests and that a very small section of farmers in parts of the country have some reservations about the farm reforms which were passed by the Parliament after a full debate and discussion.
“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 MEA said in a statement. “The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible,” it said.
Tens of thousands of farmers have been protesting at three border points on the outskirts of Delhi demanding a complete repeal of the three farm laws.
On Tuesday, Rihanna had shared a news report about the protests on Twitter , and asked, “Why aren’t we talking about this?!”Thunberg also shared the same report and tweeted: “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India”.
Harris also took to Twitter on Wednesday morning and said in a tweet: “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.”
Cerny came out in support of farmers and condemned the internet shutdown in various places in north India due to protests on her Instagram handle. “The world is watching. You don’t have to be Indian or Punjabi or South Asian to understand the issue. All you have to do is care about humanity. Always demand freedom of speech, freedom of press, basic human and civil rights-equity and dignity for workers with hashtags FarmersProtest and internetshutdown,” Cerny wrote.
Emphasising that the protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, the ministry said some vested interest groups have tried to mobilise international support against the country. Instigated by such “fringe elements”, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world, the MEA statement said, adding this is “extremely disturbing” for India and for civilised society everywhere.
The ministry also noted that respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Central government has initiated a series of talks with their representatives and Union ministers have been part of the negotiations. As many as eleven rounds of talks have already been held, it said. The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India, it asserted.
“Yet, it is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests, and derail them. This was egregiously witnessed on January 26, India’s Republic Day. A cherished national commemoration, the anniversary of the inauguration of the Constitution of India, was besmirched, and violence and vandalism took place in the Indian capital,” the ministry said.
Indian police forces have handled these protests with utmost restraint, the MEA said, adding it may be noted that hundreds of men and women serving in the police have been physically attacked, and in some cases stabbed and seriously wounded.
Meanwhile, Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, filmmaker Karan Johar and Suniel Shetty on Wednesday said citizens should focus on the government’s efforts to resolve the ongoing farmer crisis rather than paying attention to “half truths” and those “creating differences.”