7

May

Pahalgam: Media Efforts To Save Tourists, Focuses On Communal Spin

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Anwarulhaq Baig

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New Delhi | Wednesday | 7 May 2025

Veteran journalist Jay Shankar Gupta has sharply criticised Indian national media for ignoring the human side of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and instead promoting sensational, religion-driven narratives that distort the reality on the ground.

Speaking at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind headquarters, Gupta recalled watching a live TV interview with two tourists who had survived the attack. “They said shots were fired, and locals told them, ‘Don’t go back to the hotel, come to our home. We’ll feed you, protect you, and even die for you if needed. This attack is not Kashmiriyat. Our economy depends on tourism. Whoever did this has attacked our livelihood.”

Gupta lamented that the national media largely ignored this widespread local outrage, including candle marches even in Srinagar’s Downtown area with chants of “aatankwad murdabad.”

“These facts should have been reported with full intensity,” he said. “Instead, the media focused on whether the victims were Hindu or Muslim, if they were made to recite the Kalma, if they were circumcised, and whether someone went to inform Modi.”

He questioned the lack of security despite the area’s history. “Just a week before, a BJP MP had celebrated his anniversary in the same Baisaran Valley under full security. But when 2,000 tourists came, not one policeman was there.”

 

Article at a Glance
Veteran journalist Jay Shankar Gupta has criticised Indian national media for neglecting the human aspect of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, instead focusing on sensational, religion-driven narratives.
Speaking at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind headquarters, he highlighted the bravery of residents who offered protection to tourists during the attack, contrasting this with the media's fixation on the victims' religious identities.
Gupta lamented the lack of security in the area, questioning the government's accountability and the media's failure to report on significant issues like economic challenges and communal harmony.
He argued that the media's emphasis on Hindu-Muslim narratives overshadows pressing national concerns, such as unemployment and economic decline. Gupta also noted that sensationalism has become a priority for media outlets, leading to a distorted portrayal of events. He concluded by asserting that the media's focus on divisive narratives distracts from critical issues facing the country.

Drawing a historical parallel, Gupta added, “In 2000, during President Clinton’s visit, the Chittisinghpura massacre happened. Now, during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit, this attack occurs?”

He also criticised the media for ignoring follow-through on government claims. “After Pulwama, the PM said we’d stop Pakistan’s share of Indus waters. But not a word was reported later. Why not tell Adani or Sajjan Jindal to stop electricity to Pakistan? Instead, ordinary people suffer.”

Commenting on trade hypocrisy, Gupta asked, “You’ve closed the Attari-Wagah border, stopped visas. But why not close the Gujarat ports used for business? An Akali leader even questioned this. Drugs were caught at Adani’s port — what happened after that, nobody knows.”

On the role of media in communal harmony, Gupta said, “Media alone can’t be blamed. What about politicians, religious groups, the judiciary, and civil society? Media has influence, but it’s not the only actor.”

He recalled his own experience receiving a Harmony Award in 1997, saying, “Even then, there were riots. But our editors taught us to find the root cause. Often, neither Hindus nor Muslims were at fault. Someone else was pulling strings.”

“We were told not to name victims or mention religion. Today’s media can’t function without labelling people Hindu or Muslim.”

On the portrayal of the Pahalgam incident, Gupta was blunt:

“From day one, the media said: Muslim terrorists killed Hindu tourists, made them recite the Kalma, pulled down their pants. But when alternative accounts surfaced—from locals and survivors—they were blocked.”

He highlighted a story ignored by the media: “A local youth, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, tried to stop the attackers, snatched a gun, and was shot dead while protecting tourists. If this were 30–40 years ago, it would’ve been the lead headline: ‘Insaniyat zinda hai.’”

Gupta criticised the Prime Minister for not calling an all-party meeting. “At a time of national mourning, the PM is holding an election rally in Madhubani. Is this leadership?”

He asserted with a powerful indictment of today’s media. “A responsible media would’ve shown that Kashmiriyat, insaniyat, Hindustaniyat are still alive. But these stories are cut off mid-interview. What can we expect from such a media?” he wondered.

Gupta further slammed mainstream media for promoting communal narratives while ignoring core national issues like the economy, floods, and unemployment.

“TV debates are stuck on Hindu-Muslim, India-Pakistan—real problems get no space,” he said.

Recalling the Muzaffarnagar riots, Gupta noted how fake videos from Afghanistan were aired without verification. “That pattern continues—anything that spreads hate gets amplified.”

He alleged that editors push communal angles for TRP. “They tell reporters—add a Hindu-Muslim twist or it won’t air.”

Once a frequent TV guest, Gupta says he’s now blacklisted, “I ask tough questions—orders come from above not to call me.”

He mocked sensationalism with an anecdote from Iceland. “News there is read by a woman who undresses with each headline—and they didn’t notice when their economy collapsed. We’re headed the same way.”

He concluded, “Like Iceland, we’re distracted. While the economy sinks, the media keeps shouting Hindu-Muslim.”

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