New Delhi: Condemning the comments made by prominent foreigner personalities, including international pop star Rihanna, expressing solidarity with the farmers protesting against the three farm laws, India on Wednesday said it is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests and derail them while asserting sensationalist comment is “neither accurate nor responsible”.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an official statement said 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."
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Stating that a very small section of farmers in parts of India have some reservations about these reforms, the MEA has initiated a series of talks with their representatives while respecting the sentiments of the protestors.
The MEA said the Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, adding eleven rounds of talks have already been held. It also pointed out the government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“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,” the MEA said.
“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 MEA added.
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Highlighting “some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India”, the MEA said: “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 MEA further said the Indian police forces have handled these protests with 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 seriously wounded. We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse,” the MEA added.
The MEA urged that the facts be ascertained and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken before rushing to comment on such matters. “The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible,” it said.
India’s reaction came after lawyer and children's book author Meena Harris besides teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg and Rihanna tweeted to express their support to the protesting farmers.
Meena Harris, the niece of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, also took to Twitter and said “the most populous democracy is under assault”.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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. <a >https://t.co/yIvCWYQDD1</a> <a >pic.twitter.com/DxWWhkemxW</a></p>— Meena Harris (@meenaharris) <a >February 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Musician Jay Sean and Comedian and YouTuber Lilly Singh also chimed in support of the farmers. Lilly Singh retweeted Rihanna's tweet with "#IStandWithFarmers and this narrative is TIRED”.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes! Thank you so much <a >@rihanna</a>. This is a humanity issue! <a >#IStandWithFarmers</a> and this narrative is TIRED. ❤️ <a >https://t.co/H0h5EM7mNW</a></p>— Lilly // #LateWithLilly (@Lilly) <a >February 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Jay Sean posted on his Instagram account and in his stories he posted a link to a petition in support of the farmers. He expressed how deeply sadden he was by the violence and disregard shown towards farmers who are “old enough to be my grandparents”.
The farmers have been protesting since November last year against the three farm laws. One of the major demands of the farmers is that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) be made a legal provision to assure a better price to them.