Indian government’s response to foreign celebrities supporting the peasant movement, irresponsible luring with sensational hashtags

Harleen Kaur Grewal

New Delhi, February 3, 2021: Individual abroad are offering their support to the farmers’ movement against the three new agricultural laws brought by the Center. The Ministry of External Affairs has retaliated, saying, “This way of enticing sensational social media hashtags and comments is neither right nor responsible.” American popstar Rihanna and environmental activist Greta Thunberg made statements in support of the farmers.

A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said, “The Parliament of India passed laws to reform the agricultural sector after full discussion. These laws will provide a big market to the farmers and it will be easier for them to sell their crop. These laws also pave a way for ecologically and economically sustainable farming. A small section of India’s farmers have some doubts about the laws. Keeping in mind their feelings, the Indian government held several rounds of discussion with their representatives. The Union Minister joined the negotiations and 11 rounds of talks have been held. The government even proposed to stop the laws. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also repeated this proposal.”

The Foreign Ministry has further written, “It is very unfortunate to see some selfish individuals imposing their agenda on these movements. Some of these selfish groups tried to gain support from the international community. It was because of the instigation of these groups that Mahatma Gandhi’s statue was insulted in many parts of the world. This was very disturbing for India and every civilized society in the world.”

The statement read, “The Indian police force dealt with these demonstrations with great restraint. It is significant that hundreds of female and male police personnel were attacked. In some places they were attacked with weapons and they were seriously injured.”

Finally, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We will urge that the facts are ascertained before making a statement on such matters and a proper understanding is made on this issue. The way to entice sensational social media hashtags and comments, especially when celebrities do it, is neither right nor is it a responsible act.”

At the end of the statement, the Ministry of External Affairs has also used hashtags like #IndiaTogether and #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.