Farooq Ahmed mourns his brother Mohammad Iqbal, who was killed in cross-border shelling, as media misreporting labels him a terrorist, exacerbating the family's grief and calling into question journalistic integrity during conflict.
Misreported Tragedy: Kashmir Family Grapples with Media's Mislabeling
Misreported Tragedy: Kashmir Family Grapples with Media's Mislabeling
A family in Kashmir is devastated not only by the loss of their loved one due to cross-border violence but also by false media claims labeling him a terrorist.
Farooq Ahmed is still filled with rage and sorrow as he recalls the events surrounding his brother's untimely death. Mohammad Iqbal, a long-time teacher in Poonch city, Indian-administered Kashmir, was killed on 7 May during cross-border shelling, just a day after India conducted airstrikes in response to a militant attack that claimed 26 lives. Despite Pakistan's denial of involvement in the attack, Iqbal became another casualty in a long history of conflict.
The family's grief was compounded when various media outlets erroneously branded Iqbal as a terrorist, a label that swiftly circulated and further tarnished the family's reputation. “My brother was a teacher, but they saw his beard and skullcap and branded him a terrorist,” expressed Mr. Ahmed, emphasizing the pain of defamation in their moment of loss. The Indian officials reported that Iqbal was one of 16 victims in the cross-border violence, while Pakistan contended the civilian death toll was higher.
As the conflict escalated, misinformation thrived on social media and mainstream platforms, muddying the waters of truth. Erroneous claims about military actions were rampant, alongside false accusations against innocent individuals. Manisha Pande, managing editor at Newslaundry, remarked on the shocking scale of sensationalism in the reporting surrounding this crisis.
Following Iqbal’s death, Mr. Ahmed and his family were initially unaware of the accusations being levied against their deceased loved one. It was not until a relative shared a video clip featuring prominent news channels calling Iqbal a terrorist that the family's nightmare intensified. “We were shocked... the media calling Iqbal a terrorist,” Mr. Ahmed recounted.
Despite Poonch police quickly issuing a statement clarifying Iqbal’s role as a respected community figure and not a terrorist, Mr. Ahmed lamented, “By then, the false claim would’ve already reached millions.” Regrettably, only one channel offered an apology, compelling Mr. Ahmed to consider legal action against the others, though financial constraints inhibit their next steps.
Iqbal leaves behind two wives and eight children, who depended on him as their sole provider. As they grapple with grief, Mr. Ahmed reflects on the societal misconceptions that persist about his brother's life. “How will they understand our pain?” he questions, illustrating the desperate need for responsible reporting especially during times of conflict, within a region that continues to bear the scars of its tumultuous past.
