Truth behind Indian media’s biased AJK protest coverage: A web of deceit
Islamabad: The ongoing protests against inflation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are being given undue hype by Indian media, twisting the narrative to serve the Hindutva government’s sinister agenda.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protests, which are a routine matter against rising prices and inflation, have been portrayed by Indian media as a movement for political rights, which the people of AJK already enjoy in the form of their own prime minister, president and Supreme Court, and it is also evident from their freedom to protest. In contrast, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has been under military siege, and Muslims are not even allowed to offer Juma and Eid prayers in the occupied territory.
This gross misrepresentation has made Indian media a laughingstock in the eyes of independent media observers and analysts. The reality on the ground is far from the sensationalized reports in Indian media. The protests are purely economic in nature, with citizens demanding relief from soaring prices and inflation.
However, to mislead the international community from the ongoing right to self-determination movement in IIOJK, Indian media has chosen to spin the story.
To media experts, this biased coverage is not surprising, given India’s long history of propaganda against Pakistan. “Indian media has a clear agenda to destabilize Pakistan and create chaos in the region,” said Dr. Ahmed, a media studies expert. “By twisting the narrative, they aim to create a false narrative and influence international opinion.”
The Indian government has been accused of exerting pressure on the media to toe its line, and several journalists and media outlets have faced harassment and intimidation for reporting critically on the government. The biased coverage by Indian media has been criticized by media experts and analysts, who say that it is not only misleading but also poses a threat to India’s democracy.
In contrast, Pakistan’s media has been reporting the AJK protests objectively, highlighting the economic grievances of the people. This balanced reporting has been appreciated by media observers, who say that it is essential to report the truth without sensationalism or bias.
