" alt="" title=""/>Twitter’s chief executive Jack Dorsey “liked” a tweet Thursday asking for an emoji for the hashtag #FarmersProtests, much like what Twitter normally does with trending global events.
The company has custom emojis that are automatically registered in a tweet when a hashtag is mentioned. These include #BlackLivesMatter and #EndSars.
Farmers across northern India are currently protesting against the agricultural reforms proposed by the central government.
Global superstar Rihanna caused a stir on social media when she tweeted in support of the protests and asked, “Why don’t we talk about it ?! #FarmersProtest”.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg also tweeted in support of the protests, which were pulled by prominent figures in India.
The government has labeled these statements as interference with the internal affairs of India.
Dorsey liked a tweet that said, “Now is the best time for @Twitter and @Jack to add a Twitter emoji to massive #FarmersProtests in India – just like historical international protests like #BlackLivesMatter and #EndSars”.
Protesters have been calling for the government to withdraw the three farm laws for months. According to farmers, the reforms would affect their incomes and also jeopardize the minimum price guarantee.
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The government proposed halting the laws for a year and a half and then revising them – a move that was rejected by protesters.
On Thursday Thunberg published another tweet in support of the farmers and said: “I am still #StandWithFarmers and I support their peaceful protest.
No amount of hatred, threats or human rights abuses will ever change this. #FarmersProtest “.
The Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that protests by farmers ‘unions against new agricultural laws must be seen in the context of the democratic ethos and politics of India and the efforts of the government and the farmers’ groups concerned to resolve the impasse.
It has been said that the temptation to have sensational social media hashtags and comments, especially when used by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible.
“Before we rush to comment on such matters, we would like to urge that the facts are established and a proper understanding of the issues at stake be made,” the ministry said.
