Unveiling Shadows: Media, Geopolitics, and National Integrity

In recent times, while exploring the depths of the internet, I stumbled upon a rather alarming piece of information that left me both intrigued and concerned. It was a peculiar moment, occurring at around 1 o'clock on a day that holds significant meaning – August 14th, Pakistan's official Independence Day. Little did I know that this discovery would take me on a journey unraveling connections not only to our neighbor, Pakistan, but also to the intricate history of communal tensions and Muslim separatism right within our own nation's boundaries.

Let me take you through the sequence of events that led me to this revelation. My online quest was centered around finding images of a controversial figure, Burhan Wani, who forms the crux of my blog investigating the complex ties between media and Islamic separatist elements in our society. My goal was to locate the perfect picture of Burhan Wani, whose shadow casts a long and divisive influence. Amidst this search, a thought-provoking article titled "What Burhan Wani and Qandeel Baloch had in common" emerged on "Scroll India," a news website that curiously maintains an Indian identity only in name. Now, I typically steer clear of delving into the lives of terrorists, jihadists, or their sympathizers, but something about this article caught my attention, compelling me to read on.

Burhan Wani

Before we proceed, let's pause and gain an understanding of who Burhan Wani truly was. He wasn't just another face among terrorists; rather, he was backed by Pakistani funding, often self-proclaimed as a "freedom fighter." Tragically, his ideology resonated with a distressingly large number of like-minded individuals, some of whom continue to operate within the tumultuous confines of the Kashmir region. Their efforts remain fueled by support pouring in from across the border. The haunting image of Burhan Wani being laid to rest beneath the Pakistani flag, beside his brother – a well-known jihadi, actively involved in recruiting for Hizbul Mujahideen during Burhan's leadership – serves as a chilling testament to their allegiance.

However, an article centered on Burhan Wani did not come as a shock to me. It has become almost commonplace for Indian media houses to publish articles on terrorists. This trend is evident in the countless pieces dedicated to figures like Umar Khalid and other separatists who once chanted the divisive slogan "Bharat tere tukde honge," more commonly known as the infamous "tukde tukde gang." However, the real astonishment struck when I reached the article's closing statement, which boldly stated, "first appeared on DAWN."

For those unfamiliar with Dawn's history, a brief primer is in order. Founded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah during pre-independent India, Dawn served as the official newspaper of the Muslim League. Its stance was not merely anti-Hindu but also anti-Indian, as evidenced by its role in the partition and its complicity with the Muslim League in inciting the violence of Direct Action Day. After the partition, Dawn continued to operate, becoming one of Pakistan's most respected sources of anti-Hindu and anti-Indian narratives. This raises a pertinent question: Is it ethically sound for a nation's media to extract and publish articles from the official voice of its greatest geopolitical adversary?

Jinnah reading his own publication

Given the persistent political tension between India and Pakistan spanning over 77 years, is it acceptable for a reputable media outlet to amplify separatist and anti-Hindu sentiments through its platform, especially from a country that actively fuels insurgency and separatism within our borders? Does this not implicate such an outlet in spreading anti-Hindu narratives among its citizenry, verging on sedition? In light of Dawn's historical role in events like Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots, it is imperative that we critically assess the newspaper's actions. Yet, disconcertingly, many media houses appear to endorse this publication, which was responsible for the rallying cry "Ladke lenge Pakistan." This serves as substantial evidence that several of our media houses have possibly been co-opted by Islamic fundamentalists, who, despite being targeted within India, persist in supporting insurgency and separatism from abroad, all while portraying terrorists as freedom fighters.

As I delve further into Scroll.in's array of articles, a disconcerting pattern emerges – one that raises unsettling questions about a potential connection between this platform and Dawn or, at the very least, the influence of Dawn's ideology. As I navigate through more of these pieces, a striking connection becomes evident between the narratives of Dawn and those being propagated by Scroll. Much like Dawn's role in pre-partition India, Scroll appears to be echoing a similar approach today. Not only does it seem to be disseminating anti-Hindu sentiments and spreading misinformation, but it also appears to be contributing to the radicalization of Muslims, portraying them as victims of a system rigged against them. In essence, it's as if Scroll is inheriting Dawn's legacy of shaping perceptions and fanning divisive sentiments during a critical phase in history.

A particularly intriguing aspect that raises eyebrows is the profile of the writers contributing to Scroll. A significant number of them belong to a specific community – ironically, the very community that Scroll depicts as downtrodden and marginalized. This alignment casts shadows of doubt on the platform's intentions and prompts uncomfortable questions about the underlying agenda at play. For instance, a recent article covering the Nuh violence presents a narrative that is vastly different from the consensus among other media outlets and investigative reports. While most sources suggest the involvement of the Meo Muslim community in the violence, Scroll's version takes a sharply divergent path. The article portrays the Muslim community of Haryana as acting out of sheer exhaustion, stating that "there are limits to how much one can tolerate." However, Scroll conveniently sidesteps the critical point that resorting to vigilantism and taking lives of others is unacceptable, irrespective of the circumstances. Moreover, the article goes on to dedicate a significant portion to blaming Hindus for provoking the violence, either directly or indirectly, through a series of paragraphs dripping with anti-Hindu rhetoric.

In both these articles, a glaring concern surfaces – the unfounded victimization of the Muslim community. Scroll seems to disregard the harsh realities of recent communal conflicts that have been clearly motivated by communal factors within the Muslim community itself. Instead, Scroll chooses to label a grave incident of violence as Muslims "falling into a trap set by Hindus."

The uncanny resemblance between Dawn's historical influence and Scroll's contemporary actions prompts critical questions about journalistic integrity, accountability, and the potential repercussions of such skewed narratives on our society. 

It is our responsibility as citizens to question and scrutinize the narratives presented to us, to seek multiple perspectives, and to foster a culture of critical thinking. By doing so, we can work towards preventing the perpetuation of historical patterns and contribute to a more informed and harmonious society.

It is profoundly disheartening to observe the decline of Indian media in recent times. As we venture into the 78th year of our independence, it's crucial to pause and reflect on the genuine challenges our nation faces today. Vigilance is key; we must cultivate discernment to navigate the nuanced landscape of media, geopolitics, and national integrity. This awakening can pave the way to rekindling the spirit and strength of our beloved Bharat.

In conclusion, it is our collective responsibility as citizens to thwart the propagation of separatist ideologies that threaten our national security and integrity. The rise of foreign-funded elements aiming to sow discord within our borders must be met with unwavering unity. By remaining vigilant, demanding accountability from media houses, and engaging in informed dialogue, we can safeguard the ideals upon which our nation stands. As the tricolor waves freely and higher with every passing year, let us remember that the onus lies on us to uphold the unity and greatness of our Bharat.