The Barbados-born superstar asked her 100 million fans on Tuesday, “Why are we not talking about this ?!” and linked to a CNN story investigating how India cut off internet access around New Delhi after violent clashes between police and farmers protesting against new agricultural laws passed in September.
Farmers argue that the laws will ruin their livelihoods and create an opportunity for large, private enterprises to exploit the agricultural sector.
According to the Interior Ministry, the internet restrictions came “in the interest of maintaining public safety and preventing public emergencies”, according to the Home Office, according to police officers after injuries were injured by dozens of officers over the weekend and one protester is dead.
More than half of India’s working population comes from the agricultural sector, according to India’s most recent census in 2011. The laws could affect millions of Indian farmers and consumers, and could also affect global consumers who rely on India for Ingredients such as pepper, turmeric. and chilli.
Premier Narendra Modi says the new laws will give farmers the chance to set their own prices and sell directly to private businesses such as grocery chains. According to him, this would cut out the middleman, in this case, the Committee on Agricultural Products.
Farmers argue that the new laws will help big business lower prices. They say although farmers can sell crops at higher prices if demand is there, they may struggle with lower prices in years when there is too much supply in the market.
The Supreme Court of India has suspended the farm laws until further notice.
The tweets heard around the world
A few hours after Rihanna’s message, Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teenager known for her climate activism, said via Twitter that she ‘stood in solidarity with the #FarmersProtests in India’. ‘
More celebrities and athletes followed their example.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma Rihanna echoed on Twitter, saying, “We need to talk about this!” And Juju Smith-Schuster, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, showed its support by donating $ 10,000 to provide medical assistance to farmers in need.
The Indian government seems to be taking note of the celebrities’ attention surrounding the protests and has issued a statement criticizing those who come to the aid of farmers online.
“Before attempting to comment on such matters, we would like to request that the facts be established, and that a proper understanding of the matters be undertaken,” said Anurag Srivastava, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Wednesday in a statement. “The temptation of the sensationalist hashtags and comments on social media, especially when celebrities and others use them, is neither accurate nor responsible.”
Several Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and Suneil Shetty defended the Indian government. Kumar called on people to “support a friendly resolution, rather than pay attention to anyone who makes a difference,” and Shetty called on people to “take a comprehensive view of things, as there is nothing more dangerous.” is not half the truth. ‘
Despite remarks by the Indian government, Thunberg double on Thursday. “I’m still #StandWithFarmers and support their peaceful protest,” she tweeted. “No amount of hatred, threats or human rights violations will ever change that. #FarmersProtest.”