Ascertain Facts Before Rushing To Comment On Such Matters: India To Foreign Celebs Supporting Farmers' Protests

India has termed the recent comments by foreign individuals and entities on the social media over the farmers’ protests as 'sensationalist', and urged them to ascertain facts before commenting on such matters.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (3 February), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the Indian Parliament, 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, the MEA noted.

"A very small section of farmers in parts of India have some reservations about these reforms. Respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives. Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, and eleven rounds of talks have already been held. 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.

The ministry further said that it was unfortunate that some vested interest groups were trying to enforce their agenda on these protests, and derail them.

"This was egregiously witnessed on January 26, India’s Republic Day. 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," it said.

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 MEA said.

The ministry added that 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, it said.

"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," it added.

"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 MEA said.

It should be noted that many foreign celebrities including American pop star Rihanna, activist Greta Thunberg and adult film actress Mia Khalifa came out in the support of the ongoing farmers protests in India.

Indian celebrities like Richa Chadha, filmmaker Hansal Mehta, and Diljit Dosanjh have hailed Rihanna’s tweet.