After Rihanna, Greta Thunberg, Mia Khalifa and others make farmers' protest global

Stockholm (Sweden), February 3

Several international personalities, including singers Jay Sean, Dr Zeus and former adult star Mia Khalifa, have joined pop star Rihanna in supporting Indian farmers who have been protesting for over two months against the three contentious agri laws.

On Tuesday night, Rihanna shared a CNN news article with her 100 million followers on Twitter, calling out the internet shutdown at the protest site.

"Why aren't we talking about this? #FarmersProtest," the 32-year-old singer wrote.

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We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.
https://t.co/tqvR0oHgo0

— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) February 2, 2021

why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest https://t.co/obmIlXhK9S

— Rihanna (@rihanna) February 2, 2021

Soon after, Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg also came out in support of the protesters as she shared the same article and wrote, "We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India."

The world shouldn't be silent about the #FarmersProtest in India. Tens of thousands of farmers have marched to the Indian capital of New Delhi from neighboring states to protest the new legislation that will hurt small farmers and benefit large corporations. @LicypriyaK

— Elizabeth Wathuti 🇰🇪 (@lizwathuti) February 2, 2021

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at several Delhi border points since November last year, demanding the government to repeal the three farm laws and legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.

Hollywood star John Cusack, who previously voiced support to anti-CAA protestors in February 2020, retweeted a post by Vanessa Nakate, a Ugandan climate activist, reading, "Let us talk about what is happening in India right now #FarmersProtest." 

Also read: Rakesh Tikait emerges ‘hero’ of farmers’ agitation initiated by Punjab unions

The Hollywood star had previously posted in support of the agitation on January 30 with the tweet, "Sikhs farmers are amazing."

Kamaljit Singh Jhooti, popularly known by his international stage name Jay Sean, took to Instagram and wrote that despite the farmers agitation being one of the largest protests "ever in history", there has not been enough mainstream coverage of the event.

Solidarity to the Indian Farmers.

Thank you Rihanna.

In an era where political leadership is lacking we are grateful for others stepping forward#FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/jdZnGWURBl

— Claudia Webbe MP (@ClaudiaWebbe) February 2, 2021

"I live in the US and I've barely seen it on the news or mainstream media. I don't know what needs to be done to raise more awareness and have more eyes on this but I've seen videos that are far too graphic and heartbreaking to post.

"People that are old enough to be my grandparents being trampled over with no remorse or regard. Please go to my story where I will post a petition link and something actionable," the Indian-origin British artiste wrote.

Also read: India blames fringe groups for global social media storm against farm laws

Yes! Thank you so much @rihanna. This is a humanity issue! #IStandWithFarmers and this narrative is TIRED. ❤️ https://t.co/H0h5EM7mNW

— Lilly // #LateWithLilly (@Lilly) February 2, 2021

Baljit Singh Padam aka rapper Dr Zeus retweeted Rihanna's tweet and wrote that "everyone with sense" across the world are wondering about the lack of spotlight on the protests.

"World media needs to wake up. #FarmersProtest," the Indian-origin British singer said.

Also read: Delhi Police announce cash reward for info on Deep Sidhu, 3 more accused in R-Day violence

Khalifa took to Twitter and criticised the treatment being meted out to the protesting farmers. "What in the human rights violations is going on?! They cut the internet around New Delhi?! #FarmersProtest," she wrote.

In a subsequent tweet, the 27-year-old Lebanese American took on those who called farmers "paid actors" as she reiterated her support to them.

It’s no coincidence that the world’s oldest democracy was attacked not even a month ago, and as we speak, the most populous democracy is under assault. This is related. We ALL should be outraged by India’s internet shutdowns and paramilitary violence against farmer protesters. https://t.co/yIvCWYQDD1 pic.twitter.com/DxWWhkemxW

— Meena Harris (@meenaharris) February 2, 2021

"'Paid actors' huh? Quite the casting director, I hope they're not overlooked during awards season. I stand with the farmers. #FarmersProtest." Rihanna's tweet gained instant traction on Twitter, with lakhs of retweets and likes.

The singer, who has global chartbusters like "Diamonds", "Umbrella" and "We Found Love" to her credit, was hailed by a section of social media users for speaking up at a time when many Bollywood celebrities have stayed mum on the issue.

Also read: Withdraw farm laws, don’t make it prestige issue: Azad tells govt in Rajya Sabha

Indo-Canadian YouTube star and late-night talk show host Lilly Singh thanked Rihanna for bringing the protests to global spotlight.

"Thank you so much @rihanna. This is a humanity issue! #IStandWithFarmers and this narrative is tired," Singh wrote.

Also read: Shashi Tharoor, Rajdeep Sardesai move SC against FIRs over R-Day violence

US-based Indian filmamker Ritesh Batra, known for films like "The Lunchbox" and "Photograph", tweeted that the "whole world is watching the farmer agitation in India."

Popular Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, one of the first celebrities to voice his support for farmers, came up with a song dedicated to Rihanna, title Ri Ri.

Also read: Group of academics seeks repeal of farm laws

The unfolding events in India are troubling. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am closely monitoring the situation. The right to peaceful protest must always be respected. #FarmersProtest

— Rep. Jim Costa (@RepJimCosta) February 2, 2021

You doesn’t need 1 million followers to influence the millions. Your one tweet can change the whole world.

SUPPORT OUR FARMERS. 🙏🏻#FarmersProtest

— Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) February 2, 2021

Let us talk about what is happening in India right now #FarmersProtest @LicypriyaK

— Vanessa Nakate (@vanessa_vash) February 2, 2021

American social media star Amanda Cerny also took to social media to support the farmers.

"The world is watching. You don't have to be Indian or Punjabi or South Asian to understand the issue. All you have to do is care about humanity. Always demand freedom of speech, freedom of press, basic human and civil rights-equity and dignity for workers," she wrote.

Also read: 140 lawyers send petition to CJI, request him to take note of Internet ban at farmer protest sites

On Tuesday, Bollywood actors Richa Chadha, Swara Bhasker, who have been vocal supporters of the agitation, lauded Rihanna's remarks, while actor Kangana Ranaut criticised her statement.

Actor Sayani Gupta lamented the silence of mainstream Bollywood celebrities and sportspersons on the contentious issue.

"Dear Indian celebrities/ actors/ sportsmen/ musicians/stars, grow some spine. Love," the "Article 15" actor wrote.

Only a few stars from Bollywood have come out in support of farmers, including Diljit Dosanjh, Taapsee Pannu, Sonu Sood, filmmaker Hansal Mehta, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Divya Dutta and Neha Sharma.

Farmer unions have announced a countrywide blockade of national and state highways for three hours on Saturday when they would block in protest against the internet ban in areas near their agitation sites, harassment allegedly meted out to them by authorities and other issues.

Sites of the farmer protest at Delhi's borders have turned into fortresses with police beefing up security and putting up multi-layer barricades to stop the movement of vehicles. Concertina wires have also been put up to keep off people on foot.

The strengthened security measures come after the violence during the Republic Day tractor parade by the farmers. PTI

Also read: SC refuses to entertain PILs seeking probe by judicial inquiry panel into Republic Day violence

The whole World is watching the farmer agitation in India...

— riteshbatra (@riteshbatra) February 3, 2021

#humanrights #FarmersProtest https://t.co/AbFzVxKrIS

— Amanda Cerny (@AmandaCerny) February 2, 2021

Indian authorities failed to heed demands during months of peaceful #FarmersProtest. Instead, have now filed baseless charges against journalists and activists, cut off internet access, attempted to discredit protesters with allegations of terrorism. @hrw https://t.co/11NLYgkT6J https://t.co/tD31gqMxx8

— meenakshi ganguly (@mg2411) February 2, 2021

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