Entertainment
Lifestyle
Business
Sports
Health
Politics
Blockchain
Facebook
Twitter
Google
LinkedIn
YouTube
Dribbble
South Asian Insider
Home
India
South Asia
International
Videos
Picture Gallery
Epaper
Latest Epaper
Old Issues
View Details
<< Back
No propaganda can deter India's unity, Amit Shah on international comments backing farm stir
(News Agencies)- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed international celebrities for commenting on ongoing farmers' stir in India. The six-month-old protest grabbed international eyeballs on Tuesday when singer and Hollywood celebrity Rihanna tweeted about it. A few hours later, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg took to Twitter to extend support to the farmers' agitation.
Soon after, a slew of international names had joined the chorus, backing farmers' agitation and calling the Indian government out on internet shutdowns and stiff security measures.
Reacting to the remarks, Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the comments as propaganda and said that it won't deter India's unity."No propaganda can deter India's unity! No propaganda can stop India to attain new heights! Propaganda can not decide India's fate only 'Progress' can. India stands united and together to achieve progress," Amit Shah said while retweeting the Ministry of External Affairs' official response to such comments.
MEA on Rihanna, Greta
In an official statement, released on Wednesday, the MEA slammed the remarks made by Rihanna and other celebrities and activists on farmer protests, saying the facts on the issue must be ascertained before rushing to comment on it, and asserted that the "temptation" of sensationalist social media hashtags and views is "neither accurate nor responsible".
The MEA also said some "vested interest groups" are trying to enforce their agenda on the protests and that a very small section of farmers in parts of the country has some reservations about the farm reforms which were passed by the Parliament after a full debate and discussion.
"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 MEA said in a statement.
"The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible," it said.
Emphasising that the protests must be seen in the context of India's democratic ethos and polity, the ministry said some vested interest groups have tried to mobilise international support against the country.
Instigated by such "fringe elements", Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world, it said, adding this is "extremely disturbing" for India and for civilised society everywhere.
The ministry also noted that respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Central government has initiated a series of talks with their representatives and Union ministers have been part of the negotiations. As many as eleven rounds of talks have already been held, it said.
The government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India, it asserted.
"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. 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 ministry said.
Indian police forces have handled these protests with utmost restraint, the MEA said, adding 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.
Defending the three contentious agri laws, the ministry said,"these reforms give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming.
ENTERTAINMENT
LATEST UPDATES
A budget for a 'project finance economy'
This year's budget revealed the mindset of a confident and unapologetic India. In this newspaper, on January 22, I had argued for the need for develo...
Farmers didn't insult Tricolour, Chinese army sitting in India did: Shiv Sena tells PM Modi
Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece Saamana on Wednesday said that the Indian flag was not insulted and it was intact when the farmer's agitation reached the ...
Lok Sabha adjourned repeatedly as opposition continues protest over farm laws
(News Agencies)- With opposition members demanding a separate discussion on the new farm laws, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned repeatedly on Wedn...
No propaganda can deter India's unity, Amit Shah on international comments backing farm stir
(News Agencies)- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed international celebrities for commenting on ongoing farmers' stir in India. The s...
Indian-American Bhavya Lal Appointed Acting Chief Of Staff Of NASA
Bhavya Lal served as a member of the Biden Presidential Transition Agency Review Team for the agency and oversaw the agency's transition under the adm...
Biden Revokes Trump Rule Ending Work Permit For H-1B Holders' Spouses
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technica...
On farmers' protest in India, Kamala Harris's niece says most populous democracy under assault
(Insider Bureau)-Meena Harris, the niece of US Vice-President Kamala Harris, took to Twitter on Wednesday to express outrage over the "internet shutdo...
2021 India’s Republic Day: FISANA organized Patriotic Live programfor Seniors of North America on YouTube / Facebook-FISANA.
By Vijay Shah: Federation of Indian American Seniors Association of North America (FISANA) is a non - profit organization established with an aim to...
Court-appointed committee a non-starter
The only issue over which there is a deadlock is the demand for repeal of the laws. The special committee cannot hear the two sides on this issue. The...
'Deep displeasure': India sends a stinker to WHO's Tedros over India's map
The 8 January letter is the third communication to the World Health Organisation in a month, reminding Tedros and his office to fix the maps (News ...
Advertisements