Effigies of Swedish environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg and Popstar Rihanna have been burned by counter-protestors in Delhi as they tweeted support for the protesting Indian farmers. Protests were held in Delhi against them. The crowds burned photos of Greta and Rihanna and issued a warning that international interference in Indian affairs would not be tolerated.
Farmers have camped out around Delhi demanding the repeal of the new agricultural laws. A march last week turned violent as hundreds of protestors stormed the Red Fort. Delhi police retaliated by sending in riot officers and paramilitary forces, cut off entry and exit to the protest sites and even blocked mobile internet access.
Leaders of the ruling BJP said that the toolkit tweeted by Greta had evidence of international plans for attacks against India. The Delhi police are investigating the case. The Indian government has released a statement sharply warning against celebrities tweeting sensationalist social media hashtags and comments. However, Greta Thunberg reaffirmed her position by tweeting that she still stands with the farmers and supports their peaceful protests.
The Supreme Court has suspended the implementation of the farm laws. Farmers have stated that they will continue their protests until the government agrees to repeal the series of laws passed last year. The new laws are said to allow more private investment into the farming sector and drive modernisation. The farmers are against it as they fear that large retailers will buy directly from the growers and it will end the longstanding guaranteed prices for their crops and they would be at the mercy of the retailers.
