NEW DELHI (CU)_As celebrity campaigners Rihanna and Greta Thunberg voiced their support for the Indian farmers’ protests, authorities in New Delhi increased security at three main protest sites outside the state border.
Armed forces added steel barricades and iron spikes along the main highway, while cemented barricades were wrapped with coils of barbed wire in an attempt to stop tens of thousands of demonstrating farmers from entering the capital. Images of the barricades were widely shared on social media, with many comparing them to a security fortress or heavily militarised border fences.
However, the farmers insist that these new security arrangements will not scare them away.
Although the protests carried out by tens of thousands of farmers, camping in the outskirts of the capital, braving the cold and rain, were initially quite peaceful, however, on India’s Republic Day on January 26, the demonstrations turned violent, as farmers on horses, tractors and on foot broke through the barricades and clashed with the police.
It was reported that one protester died and hundreds of police officers were injured during the clashes, although officials did not reveal how many farmers were injured.
The situation tensed even further after authorities extended the suspension of internet connection in the protest sites until midnight Tuesday. As images of policemen carrying long metal poles with arm guards were widely circulated on social media, the Delhi Police sought to deny having authorised officers to use metal lances to ward off protesters.
“As soon as senior officers found out, these were taken back. There is no scheme to provide policemen with steel lathis,” a spokesman for the Delhi Police said.
These protests which have continued for months were launched against new agriculture reform laws which the farmers say will devastate their income and make them vulnerable to corporate greed.
Meanwhile, Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and US pop star Rihanna have joined several other celebrities in drawing attention to the protests as both campaigners Tweeted a CNN article about the communications crackdown at three protest sites near Delhi borders.
“We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India,” Thunberg wrote, while Rihanna Tweeted: “Why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest”. Meena Harris, the niece of Vice-President Kamala Harris, was also among those who voiced their support for the protesters.
However, PM Modi’s government did not appear to be please by these responses, as the Indian Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the comments as inaccurate and irresponsible. “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 ministry said.
Although the government has offered to suspend the reforms for 18 months, the farmers have remained firm on their demand the laws be scrapped, as they claim the legislation will make agriculture vulnerable to market vagaries by allowing companies to take control of farming.
According to the Delhi Police, about 250 Twitter accounts, including those belonging to the news magazines and journalists were blocked several hours on Monday over claims they spread rumours about the protests, while at least 122 people have so far been arrested in the capital in connection to the demonstrations.
