'Ye Mazhab Ki Ladaai Nahi Hai': TV Channels' One-Sided Storytelling Flayed

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- As Kashmir mourns the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives-many of them tourists-locals across the valley have been stressing that the tragedy should not be seen through a communal lens, but as a shared human loss that demands empathy, unity, and a rejection of narratives that seek to divide.

Kashmir on Wednesday witnessed spontaneous gatherings-people holding placards, chanting slogans for peace, and lighting candles in memory of the victims. What stood out was the collective message cutting across religious lines: this wasn't a Hindu-Muslim issue, but a human tragedy.

“Ye mazhab ki ladai nahi hai (this is not a fight of religion),” said a local man during a protest in Srinagar.

“We are ashamed that such an incident happened on our soil,” he said.

Emotions and anger ran high, many wiping away tears. In Lal Chowk, an elderly man, his hands trembling, was heard saying,“I wish I could hang them myself, near the clock tower.”

Read Also Kashmir Unites In Grief Against Pahalgam Terror Attack 'Heartbreaking Exodus': Fear Drives Tourist Rush Out of Kashmir

“This image of ours is being ruined. I hope, and I urge the government, to find and punish those behind this act. As I've said before - we firmly condemn this, and want to fight terrorism together and drive it out of our country.”

Many demonstrators expressed disappointment at how certain television channels portrayed the attack. “Kashmir se awaaz aayi: Hindu-Muslim bhai bhai,” they chanted, accusing some TV channels of pushing polarising narratives.

“One channel even cut its live feed when we spoke about brotherhood and unity between Hindus and Muslims,” a protestor said.

Another protester, who had travelled from Handwara to show solidarity, questioned the editorial choices of popular news networks.“They only want blood, anger, and hate for their TRPs. But we won't let them hijack our truth.”

Tourists who had come from outside states also spoke up, insisting that the attack had not shaken their trust in the people of Kashmir.“We are devastated by what happened, but the people here-drivers, hotel staff, locals-have protected us like their own,” said a tourist from Pune.

“When this attack happened, we were terrified. Our families were panicking, and then a local brother said to us, 'We would give our lives for you, but will never let harm come to you.' This brotherhood - this is what India stands for,” she added.

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group : Join Now

Be Part of Quality Journalism

Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast.

ACT NOW

MONTHLY	Rs 100
YEARLY	Rs 1000
LIFETIME	Rs 10000

CLICK FOR DETAILS

MENAFN23042025000215011059ID1109465046