Media's Misinformation Deepens Grief for Kashmiri Family

After the death of Mohammad Iqbal during cross-border shelling, his family faces further anguish as media falsely identifies him as a terrorist, leading to public misconceptions and calls for accountability amidst a backdrop of escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

Farooq Ahmed is still overwhelmed with fury and heartbreak as he recounts the death of his brother, Mohammad Iqbal, who died on May 7 during cross-border shelling in Indian-administered Kashmir. The conflict erupted following India's airstrikes in Pakistan in response to a militant attack in Pahalgam which claimed 26 lives. While Pakistan has denied responsibility for the attack that provoked these hostilities, the aftermath proved devastating for the Ahmed family.

Iqbal, a long-time educator at the Zia-ul-Uloom madrassa in Poonch, was immediately engulfed in controversy after his death, as various media outlets swiftly and erroneously branded him as a terrorist. "My brother was a teacher, yet they judged him by his appearance," Ahmed lamented. "They have tarnished his name, compounding our grief."

Iqbal was among the 16 individuals who lost their lives in the conflict between the two nations, which have a long-standing history of military confrontations over the Kashmir region, claimed in its entirety by both since British colonial rule ended in 1947. The media frenzy that erupted during this period not only misrepresented Iqbal's identity but also sparked a broader disinformation campaign rife with false claims about military actions and casualties.

“The level of misinformation and sensationalism being propagated was shocking,” noted Manisha Pande, managing editor of the independent news outlet Newslaundry. As channels competed for viewership during the heated military exchanges, many narratives about Iqbal became hazardous for their accuracy and humanity.

For the Ahmed family, the ordeal escalated rapidly. After burying Iqbal, they were confronted with distressing news clips promoting the false narrative that he was linked to a terrorist organization. “We were reeling from the loss when we learned that people were accusing Iqbal of being a terrorist,” recalled Ahmed.

Major news networks such as Zee News, ABP, and News18 were reportedly among those airing erroneous stories. Within a day of Iqbal's death, the local Poonch police released a statement affirming that Iqbal was a respected local figure with no connections to terrorism. However, Ahmed believes the damage had already been done; the misinformation had been widely disseminated, leaving a lasting stain on his brother's legacy. “It’s heartbreaking that this falsehood has spread so far,” he added, expressing outrage at the tabloids that failed to offer any apologies for their inaccuracies.

As the fallout continues, the Ahmed family's struggle deepens. Iqbal leaves behind two wives and eight children as the family confronts their financial instability. The government compensation offered to them, although a small consolation, is unlikely to sustain them long-term. Ahmed is left grappling with the broader implications of how his brother is perceived: “Everyone thinks my brother was a terrorist, justifying his death. But who will share our real story?” he said, emphasizing the need for truth amidst pain.

Amidst a backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Ahmed family serves as a tragic reminder of how the consequences of media narratives extend far beyond mere headlines.