CNN reported on Feb. 28 that meena Harris, the niece of U.S. Vice President Harris, tweeted criticism of the Indian government's crackdown on Protesting farmers in India who opposed agrarian reform, and people in India burned Mina's portrait. Hundreds of Indian netizens "shelled" her on Twitter, warning her not to meddle in Indian affairs.
Infographic: Mina Harris, niece of U.S. Vice President Harris
As an Indian-American, Mina Harris said she rejects the view that "18 million overseas Indians are not qualified to speak out about India." In the United States alone, there are 4.8 million people who are either Indian immigrants or have Indian ancestry.
Mina tweeted earlier this month, "Don't tell me to leave you alone. These are our problems. She also tweeted a picture of Indians setting her portrait lit up against the protests, writing: "It's strange to see her portrait burned by extreme thugs, but imagine what they would do if we lived in India." ”
Screenshot of Mina Harris tweet
For months, tens of thousands of Indian farmers have held protests in and around the capital, New Delhi, to protest three agrarian reform laws, arguing that the new regulations could impoverish them. In response, the Indian government "shut down" some areas while security forces arrested protesters and tried to stop the demonstrations.
Mina Harris and several other celebrities of Indian descent joined in condemning the Modi government and Indian security forces. Some Indian-Canadians — including politician Jagmeet Singh, poet Rupi Kaur and comedian Lilly Singh — have expressed support for Indian farmers, as have Indian-British singer Jay Sean and Indian-American comedian Hasan Minhaj.
Infographic: Rihanna
Earlier, some Western celebrities such as American singer Rihanna and Swedish "environmental girl" Greta Thunberg and others also tweeted in support of farmers protests in India. After making their statement, their portraits were also burned by the Indian people.
Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar later tweeted in response, "India's sovereignty cannot be compromised." External forces can be spectators, but they cannot participate. Indians who understand India should make decisions for India. Let us remain united as a nation. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar wrote in the hashtag India Together: "Let's support an amicable solution instead of focusing on anyone who creates disagreements." ”
While the agrarian reform law has sparked protests from Indian farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to move forward with reforms, saying they are necessary to modernize agriculture.
Source: Global Times