India today reacted sharply to foreign celebrities, including pop star Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg, speaking in support of the farmers' protest against three farm sector reform laws and said "the temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible."
"The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector. These reforms give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement adding, "It is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests and derail them."
The MEA said, "A very small section of farmers in parts of India have some reservations about these reforms. Respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives.
"Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations and eleven rounds of talks have already been held. The government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India," it pointed out.
"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 statement said.
The MEA's riposte came after Thunberg and US Vice President Kamala Harris' niece joined several others from the international community who have come out in support of the farmers' protest against the Indian government's new agriculture laws.
After Rihanna's Twitter post last night backing the agitating farmers, Thunberg tweeted "We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India."
Menna Harris, an American lawyer who is the niece of Kamala Harris, said "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."
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