Pop-star Rihanna took the internet by storm on Tuesday night when she tweeted a news story about the ongoing farmers’ protests in India and wrote “Why aren’t we talking about this?!”.
The singer shared an article by CNN published on Monday highlighting the internet shutdown in parts of New Delhi following the violent farmers’ clash with the police on Republic Day.
why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest https://t.co/obmIlXhK9S
— Rihanna (@rihanna) February 2, 2021
Soon after the singer’s tweet, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg also showed her support for the farmers’ protests.
We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.
https://t.co/tqvR0oHgo0— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) February 2, 2021
The conversation started by Rihanna resulted in many other international voices to turn their attention towards the farmers’ protests in India. UK Member of Parliament Claudia Webbe shared Rihanna’s tweet and wrote, “In an era where political leadership is lacking we are grateful for others stepping forward.”
Solidarity to the Indian Farmers.
Thank you Rihanna.
A D V E R T I S E M E N TIn an era where political leadership is lacking we are grateful for others stepping forward#FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/jdZnGWURBl
— Claudia Webbe MP (@ClaudiaWebbe) February 2, 2021
Meena, author and niece of US Vice President Kamala Harris, also showed her support on social media and wrote, “This is related. We ALL should be outraged by India’s internet shutdowns and paramilitary violence against farmer protesters.”
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. https://t.co/yIvCWYQDD1 pic.twitter.com/DxWWhkemxW
— Meena Harris (@meenaharris) February 2, 2021
US House Representative Jim Costa also called the ongoing unrest as “troubling”.
The unfolding events in India are troubling. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am closely monitoring the situation. The right to peaceful protest must always be respected. #FarmersProtest
— Rep. Jim Costa (@RepJimCosta) February 2, 2021
Popular YouTuber Amanda Cerny shared a photo on Instagram and wrote, “Always demand freedom of speech, freedom of press, basic human and civil rights-equity and dignity for workers.”
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Mia Khalifa, a former adult film actor, also showed her solidarity.
What in the human rights violations is going on?! They cut the internet around New Delhi?! #FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/a5ml1P2ikU
— Mia K. (Adri Stan Account) (@miakhalifa) February 3, 2021
Back home, the reactions of Thunberg and Rihanna garnered mixed responses. While actors like Diljit Dosanjh and Richa Chadha came out in support of Rihanna, actor Kangana Ranaut took offence to it and tweeted, “No one is talking about it because they are not farmers they are terrorists who are trying to divide India so that China can take over our vulnerable broken nation and make it a Chinese colony much like USA… Sit down you fool, we are not selling our nation like you dummies.”
While Rihanna hasn’t replied to Ranaut yet, Twitter users did not miss the opportunity to make memes on the actor.
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The Union Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, “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 temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible.”
The Haryana government on Tuesday extended the ban on internet, bulk SMS services, and all dongle services, etc. except voice calls in some regions till 5 pm on Wednesday.