Srinagar: After the April 22 attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, many people in Kashmir are angry at national (Delhi-based) TV news channels in India. Locals and protestors, who come from different districts of Kashmir to Lal Chowk to protest Pahalgam killings, say that some of these channels are not reporting the truth and are trying to create hate between communities, especially against Muslims in Kashmir.
In Srinagar, this week, people gathered at Lal Chowk and shouted slogans against ABP News and its anchor Chitra Tripathi. They said her coverage was unfair and hurt Muslims in Kashmir. Protesters also interrupted a live show on Doordarshan, saying the channel was spreading false news.
One protest video showed a local man claiming, “When I said on camera that we want peace, the anchor signaled to turn off the camera. They stopped the live broadcast while I was speaking. When I stopped talking, they went live again. This is not right.”
In another video, people were heard shouting slogans like, “Tourists, we are ashamed that your killers are still alive. Kashmir says Hindu-Muslim are brothers!”
One video shows a young protestor, possibly student, telling camera that Kashmiris want peace and are mourning the death but media wants drama.
In a viral video from Murran, Pulwama a man is seen telling a Republic TV reporter to report only facts and not spread false news. He points out that Kashmiris are mourning and protesting because of the killings and asks why the media is not showing the real situation.
Protesters say these channels are not focusing on the victims of the attack but are trying to make the situation worse by spreading hate. The attack has made people more scared and also made people question how the media is reporting such sensitive events.
Who said what
India: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack and promised justice. Home Minister Amit Shah went to Kashmir to review the situation and promised action against attackers.
Pakistan: Pakistan denied any involvement. Its Defence Minister said the attack could be a “false flag” by India.
United Nations: The UN called it a terrible act of terrorism and said those responsible must be punished.
Current Situation
Crackdown: After the attack in Pahalgam, armed forces have started searching for the attackers. They are also demolishing the homes of suspected militants in the area. The search for the attackers is still underway.
India-Pakistan relation: Relations between India and Pakistan have become more tense. India has stopped the Indus Waters Treaty and sent back Pakistani diplomats. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian planes and stopped trade with India.
Threats to Kashmiris: The attack has led to tension in many parts of India. Reports say Kashmiri students and businesses are facing threats and attacks. Many Kashmiris are scared because of the way some media channels are reporting the incident.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Kashmiri students in at least nine cities have been attacked or threatened by right-wing groups after the incident. JKSA convenor Nasir Khuehami called the incidents a ‘targeted campaign of hate’.
Talking to Free Press Kashmir, Nasir said, “This is not just random anger. It looks like a planned effort to force Kashmiri students out of their classrooms, hostels, and rented houses. If the state governments do not act quickly — by protecting campuses and taking legal action — this situation will only make young Kashmiris studying outside the Valley feel even more scared and isolated.”
Nasir added that Kashmiri students have reported being threatened, made to feel alone, and treated badly, making them scared and worried.
Because of these problems, leaders from different political parties in Jammu and Kashmir held a meeting. They requested other states to protect Kashmiri students and residents and to stop any kind of harassment or discrimination against them. They said people should stay united and peaceful even after such tragedies.
Even though most Kashmiris have strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack, many are still facing anger and suspicion in different parts of the country.
