Taking strong exception to some foreign celebrities, including top pop singer Rihanna, backing the ongoing farmers’ protest here, India on Wednesday said only a “small section” of the farmers was agitating and talks were on to resolve the issue. New Delhi also said such comments by celebrities and others are “neither accurate nor responsible.”
Rihanna, who has 100 million followers on Twitter and is among the most followed people on the microblogging site, on Tuesday tweeted protesting against the internet shutdown near the protest site.
Later, Greta Thunberg also backed the agitation, tweeting, “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.”
“The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible,” the External Affairs Ministry said.
By all accounts, this is seen as the recognition of the Government’s concerns that the farmers’ protest is invoking sympathetic response in the international arena and harming the country’s image abroad.
The Ministry also said Parliament passed the reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector, and noted that some of vested interest groups have tried to mobilise international support against India.
“We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse,” the statement said.
The Government said Parliament after debate and discussion passed “reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector” and the reforms “give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers.”
Stating that a small section was agitating, the External Affairs Ministry said the Government, “respecting the sentiments of the protesters”, has initiated talks.
“The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India,” the MEA said.
“Yet, it is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests. This was egregiously witnessed on January 26, India’s Republic Day. A cherished national commemoration, the anniversary of the inauguration of the Constitution was besmirched, and violence and vandalism took place in the Capital.
“Some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India. Instigated by such fringe elements, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world. This is extremely disturbing for India and for civilised society everywhere,” the Ministry said.
The Government said the police had handled the protests with the utmost restraint.
“It may be noted that hundreds of men and women serving in the police have been physically attacked, and in some cases stabbed and wounded.”
Thursday, 04 February 2021 | PNS | New Delhi
