NEW YORK: International pop sensation Rihanna has extended her support to the farmers protesting on the outskirts of Delhi against the Indian government’s agricultural laws, condemning the internet shutdown aimed at crippling the movement.
“Why aren’t we talking about this?! Farmers Protest,” tweeted the ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ singer, who has more than 100 million followers on Twitter, along with a news article about the internet blockade.
why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest https://t.co/obmIlXhK9S
— Rihanna (@rihanna) February 2, 2021
The tweet sent the singer trending on Twitter with thousands of responses including one from actor Kangana Ranaut, a supporter of the ruling BJP who has made no bones about her strong dislike for the farmers’ protest that has challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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. https://t.co/OIAD5Pa61a— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 2, 2021
The BJP-led Indian government in Haryana banned internet services in 14 out of 22 districts. The ban was first for 24 hours before the government extended it till 2 February.
The order by the Home Ministry had come over the weekend, days after sections of a tractor parade in Delhi by farmers on Republic Day strayed from agreed routes, triggering clashes with the police that left dozens injured and one protester dead.
Authorities have also dug up roads, erected massive, multi-layered barricades at several places to block farmers from reaching the heart of Delhi again.
The Indian government has faced condemnation for its handling of the farmers’ protests. Twitter this week blocked hundreds of accounts for tweeting on the farmers’ protest.
