New Delhi: Self-acclaimed Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, on Thursday, posted an ‘updated’ toolkit on her Twitter handle on how citizens, globally, can frustrate the Indian Government over the farmers’ protest taking place in the Delhi-National Capital Region.

She had earlier deleted a similar document she had tweeted after Indian TV news channels pointed it out. The instructions in the document looked like an exact blue-print of the plan of violence unleashed in Delhi by protesting farmers on January 26, India’s Republic day.

This led to speculations that the violence was not “organic” and rather “orchestrated” by anti-India forces, which include Sikh separatists or Khalistanis often working in collusion with Pakistan, and the page was floated and circulated widely on social media days before January 26. Also, Greta had, out of ignorance or willingly, perpetuated the mayhem Delhi saw on its Republic Day.

Greta wrote on her Twitter handle on Thursday: “Here’s an updated toolkit by people on the ground in India if you want to help. (They removed their previous document as it was outdated.) #StandWithFarmers #FarmersProtest”

— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) February 3, 2021

A section of farmers went on a rampage in India’s national Capital on January 26, hoisting a Sikh religious flag atop the Red Fort, India’s symbol of Independence; hijacking roads with their tractors; clashing with and injuring over 400 policemen and indulging in vandalism like smashing police vehicles. Many of them ran amok Delhi roads with swords.

Approach roads to Delhi have been blocked for over a month due to their sit-in and authorities have had to shut off internet time and again to bring the law-and-order situation under control, causing inconvenience to ordinary citizens.

Whether aware of these facts or not, Greta tweeted on Tuesday, “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.” This came after international singer Rihanna shared a news article highlighting the Centre's internet service disruption. "Why aren't we talking about this?!" she wrote adding the hashtag #FarmersProtest. A former porn actor, Mia Khalifa, also jumped into the fray supporting the protest.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) got back with a comprehensive statement to the celebrities:

February 03, 2021

"The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector. These reforms give expanded market access and provide greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming.

A very small section of farmers in parts of India have some reservations about these reforms. Respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives. Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, and eleven rounds of talks have already been held. The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India.

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.

Indian police forces have handled these protests with utmost restraint. It may be noted that hundreds of men and women serving in the police have been physically attacked, and in some cases, stabbed and seriously wounded.

We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse.

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. "

#IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda

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The document Greta shared on Thursday detailed “activities” that supporters can “do to help the protest.” The aim seemed to be to overwhelm the Indian government, forcing it to roll back the legislations.

The instructions read thus: 1) Tweet your support to the Indian Farmers. Tag: @thepmo, @UNDP, @UNFAOand @PMOIndia, @UNDP_India, @nstomar, @timestrolley (if on Twitter). If willing, do tag your Heads of State, the IMF, the WB and/or the WTO; 2) Call/Email any of your govt representatives and ask them to take action; 3) Organise an on-ground action near the closest Indian Embassy, Media House or your local Govt. office on 13th/14th February, 2021. Share pictures on social media using the hashtag #FarmersProtest #StandWithFarmers

Besides, the document carried a general anti-India sentiment making false, vague and defamatory accusations regarding the country like: “India has a long history of human rights violations, violence, and a cruel indifference for its most vulnerable citizens. India's farmers & other citizens need the global community to pay attention — the world needs to know that India is ignoring the voices of the marginalised communities. We need solidarity and support from across the world.”

Greta’s 'toolkit': Delhi Police files FIR against unknown persons

The Delhi Police, on Thursday, filed an FIR regarding Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg’s ‘toolkit’ that she had shared on her Twitter handle but did not name her in the FIR. The case was registered against unknown persons.

Addressing a press conference here, Delhi Police Special Commissioner Praveer Ranjan said they had registered a case against creators of the "toolkit" and no one had been named in the FIR. "We have not named anybody in the FIR. It is only against the creators of the 'toolkit' which is a matter of investigation. Delhi Police will be investigating that case," he said.

Ranjan said farmer protests at Delhi borders have been going on for days and the Delhi Police has been closely monitoring several social media accounts.

"We have identified some 300 accounts spreading dissatisfaction and disharmony towards the Government of India. 'Toolkit' account was being run by a group of Khalistanis. They had decided to conduct a digital strike post the Republic Day incident," he said.

"We have recovered a document about the planned execution. We have found out that is a copycat execution. As of now, we have registered cases against the authors of that account. The case has been handed over to the cyber cell. Investigations are underway," he added.

Thunberg had posted "toolkit" in a tweet on Wednesday which she later deleted, and then “updated” on Thursday.