Rihanna's Tweet Takes Farmers' Protest Global

Farmers' protest against the center's 3 controversial laws has seen a tremendous outpouring of support on social media. International pop star Rihanna, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and lawmakers from the US and the UK tweeted about the agitation that began late November. Nearly a week after Delhi witnessed a massive tractor rally and subsequent clashes on Republic Day, multiple barricades and barbed fences have been put up on the outskirts that the demonstrators have defined as "extreme measures”.

In a statement, the government this morning said "a very small section of farmers have reservations about the reforms" that these laws aim to bring. "Before rushing to comment on such matters, we urge that facts be ascertained and proper understanding of issues at hand be undertaken. Temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Last evening, pop icon Rihanna asked her 100 million followers: "Why aren't we talking about this?!#FarmersProtest (sic)". Her post - that had a report on internet ban at the protest sites - was widely shared, leading to a global outpouring of support.

British MP Claudia Webbe shared the post and wrote: "Solidarity to the Indian Farmers. Thank you Rihanna. In an era where political leadership is lacking we are grateful for others stepping forward."