Indian farmers protesting against new laws that they fear will allow big corporations to destroy their livelihoods, are finding international support from celebrities and activists alike, including Rihanna, Greta Thunberg, Mia Khalifa, Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh and others.
Kangana Ranaut, one of Bollywood’s most controversial actors, has gone after the supporters of the farmers’ protest. After Rihanna, she decided to blast teenage activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden.
The activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee tweeted: “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.”
In response, the Queen star wrote, "No fancy activists will talk about genuine environmentalist our own grandma, but they will definitely promote dumb and a spoilt brat @GretaThunberg who is being used by entire left lobby and in return she gets to skip her education and school.”
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After Thunberg tweeted a ‘toolkit’ to instruct her followers as to how they can support the farmers protesting in India, the New Delhi police lodged an FIR against the creators of the toolkit.
In the following tweet, the environmentalist reiterated her support for the farmers. She wrote, “I still #StandWithFarmers and support their peaceful protest. No amount of hate, threats or violations of human rights will ever change that.”
“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 foreign ministry of India also released a statement.
On the other hand, hundreds of counter-protesters have gathered in Delhi to condemn the ‘interference’ of international celebrities and activists into India’s domestic turmoil. Effigies of pop star Rihanna, former adult star Mia Khalifa and Swedish teenage activist Thunberg were burned.
RW group United Hindu Front burn placards of @meenaharris @rihanna, @GretaThunberg and @miakhalifa.
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) February 5, 2021
Via - @AFP pic.twitter.com/K9fBwTbybS