Greta Thunberg toolkit for protests sparks row in India

New Delhi: Swedish youth activist Greta Thunberg shared a toolkit on social media for the farmer protests in India which indicates that a widespread campaign may have been on much before January 26.

Twitter erupted in India after the toolkit surfaced which included a document on details of January 26 protests and online and street protests. The document was restricted thereafter and the tweet was deleted, as per reports.

The document titled 'Global Farmers Strike - First Wave' says, "On 26th January, a major day of globally coordinated actions, show your support at local physical locations, wherever you are. Either find protests happening in your city/state/country and participate in large (or small) numbers or organize one."

It further encouraged people to organise solidarity protests either at or near Indian Embassies, local government offices or offices of various multinational Adani and Ambani companies.

This document is adding fuel to the view that there is an international conspiracy afoot to defame India and the Modi government over the farmer protests.

Thunberg later deleted the tweet but not before, several social media users took to Twitter and accused her for being part of an "international conspiracy to defame India".

After comments made by Rihanna and Thunberg, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement, saying: "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 MEA said.

"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," MEA said in the statement.