International pop sensation Rihanna on Tuesday extended her support to the ongoing farmers protest in India agitating against the new farm laws. Her six-word tweet rattled the government officials along with a few Bollywood stars. The government in a strong reaction described them as part of "vested interest groups" and their support as "sensationalist social media hashtags and comments" which are "neither accurate nor responsible." And now a fake photo of Rihanna holding a Pakistani flag is going viral on the internet after she expressed solidarity with Indian farmers.
In the morphed picture, Rihanna is seen holding a Pakistani flag while watching a match at a stadium. However, in the original picture, which is over a year old, shows Rihanna holding a Cricket West Indies flag at a match in Chester-le-Street during the 2019 World Cup. According to AFP, the doctored image is being widely shared on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter after Rihanna tweeted in support of the protesting farmers in India.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), on July 1, 2019, had tweeted the original photo of Rihanna when West Indies played against Sri Lanka during the cricket World Cup. "Look who's at #SLvWI to Rally 'round the West Indies! Watch out for @rihanna's new single, Shut Up And Cover Drive Winking face," ICC had tweeted sharing the photo.
The official Twitter handle of the West Indies Cricket had also tweeted the original photo wherein Rihanna was seen dressed in a white outfit along with sunglasses.
Pic. 1@rihanna
with Syed Zulfi Bukhari, Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan!
Pic. 2
Rihanna with Pakistani flag!#IndiaAgainstPropoganda #IndiaTogether pic.twitter.com/igNBsj7nY0
?? (@sanjeevkr868) February 3, 2021
Look who's at #SLvWI to Rally 'round the West Indies!
Watch out for @rihanna's new single, Shut Up And Cover Drive ?? #CWC19 | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/cou1V0P7Zj
ICC (@ICC) July 1, 2019
Look who came to #Rally with the #MenInMaroon today! ? ? Hey @rihanna!?? #CWC19 #ItsOurGame pic.twitter.com/ePYtbZ1c8u
Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 1, 2019
In the meantime, the ministry of external affairs issued a statement lashing out at them. "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 temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible," the statement said.
The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector, the government explained. "These reforms give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming."
The government said that a very small section of farmers in parts of India has some reservations about these reforms. "Respecting the sentiments of the protesters, the Government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives. Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, and eleven rounds of talks have already been held. The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India."
The ministry said, "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."
"Some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India. Instigated by such fringe elements, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world. This is extremely disturbing for India and for civilised society everywhere," the government said.
Indian police forces have handled these protests with utmost restraint. 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.
"We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India's democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse," the government said.
(With IANS Inputs)
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