Minister Babul Supriyo has question for Rihanna; takes singer on for entering farmers' row

India on Wednesday reacted sharply to comments by foreign celebrities and ors, including pop singer Rihanna on farmers' protests, saying a very small section of farmers in parts of country have some reservations about farm reforms and a proper understanding of issue is needed before rushing to comment on agitation.

'Wonder why she needs a reminder...'

Retweeting Ministry of External Affairs' statement, Union Minister Babul Supriyo said, that apart from music, Rihanna has her own business too, adding that "wonder why she needs a reminder to 'mind' her own business." 

" temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and ors, is neir accurate r responsible," Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.  MEA's reaction came after several international celebrities and activists including American pop singer Rihanna, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and US Vice President Kamala Harris' niece Meena Harris tweeted about farmers' protest in India. 

Asserting that "before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of issues at hand be undertaken", ministry said "temptation of sensationalist" social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and ors, is "neir accurate r responsible".

'Where have you been Rihanna'

Slamming Rihanna, BJP MP and Bhojpuri actor/singer Maj Tiwari shared a video showing violence on Republic Day in national capital. In video, visuals of police personnel getting assaulted by protesters are seen and Rihanna's song 'Where have you been' has been used for background score. "Where have you been Rihanna? ...we really need to talk about this #Rihanna" BJP MP wrote.

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

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Meanwhile, Farmer Unions on Monday anunced a countrywide 'chakka jam' on February 6 when y would block national and state highways for three hours in protest against internet ban in areas near ir agitation sites, harassment allegedly meted out to m by authorities and or issues.

Sites of farmer protest at Delhi's borders have turned into fortresses with police beefing up security and putting up multi-layer barricades to stop movement of vehicles. Barbed wire has also been put up to keep off people on foot. strengned security measures at agitation sites across Delhi borders come after violence during Republic day tractor parade by protesting farmers in which 394 security personnel were injured.

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(With PTI inputs)