'External forces can be spectators': Sachin Tendulkar on farmers’ protest

New Delhi, Feb 4: Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir have raised their voices on the ongoing farmers’ protest, saying that "external forces can be spectators". This came after the Ministry of External Affairs reacted sharply to tweets made by pop star Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg on the protests.

 

 

Rihanna, who has 100 million followers on Twitter, on Tuesday posted, “Why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest,” linking a CNN report.

 

Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in all formats of cricket, called for the country to remain united in times of distress. “India’s sovereignty cannot be compromised. External forces can be spectators but not participants. Indians know India and should decide for India. Let’s remain united as a nation,” he wrote on Twitter.

 

 

His former teammate and current BJP MP Gautam Gambhir said India will continue to thrive no matter what. “Outside forces have been trying to divide us, rule over us for centuries. But India remains & will thrive come what may! Use your billions, try your best! This is the New India,” he posted.

 

 

Apart from them, Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri, opening batsman Rohit Sharma, former spinner Anil Kumble, and Suresh Raina have stood against the propaganda run by "some groups".

 

 

Earlier, Pragyan Ojha had sharply reacted to Rihanna's comments. He had said, "My country is proud of our farmers and knows how important they are. I trust it will be addressed soon. We don’t need an outsider poking her nose in our internal matters".

 

 

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at several Delhi border points since November last year, demanding the government to repeal the three farm laws and legal guarantee of MSP for their crops.