The case of Mohammad Iqbal, a respected teacher killed in cross-border shelling, underscores the dangers of miscommunication during military conflicts. Farooq Ahmed, Iqbal's brother, expressed outrage at the media mislabeling his brother as a terrorist after a retaliatory airstrike from India, while officials confirmed his role as a devoted educator. The family is left to cope with their tragic loss amid further public confusion and false narratives.**
Misinformation After Tragedy: The Untold Story of a Kashmir Teacher’s Death**
Misinformation After Tragedy: The Untold Story of a Kashmir Teacher’s Death**
Amid rising tensions in Kashmir, a teacher's death has sparked a wave of misinformation, labeling him a "terrorist," which his family vehemently disputes.**
An anguished brother's fight for justice is at the center of a disturbing tale from Poonch, a city in Indian-administered Kashmir, where misinformation spread rapidly following the death of a local teacher, Mohammad Iqbal. Iqbal was killed on May 7 during cross-border shelling, a day after India conducted significant airstrikes in response to a militant assault that claimed 26 lives. While Indian authorities reported a total of 16 fatalities in the shelling incidents, claims from Pakistan indicated that number was as high as 40.
According to Farooq Ahmed, Iqbal had dedicated over two decades to teaching at Zia-ul-Uloom, a madrassa in their hometown. However, in the aftermath of his death, he was erroneously portrayed by several media outlets as a terrorist. Ahmed stated, “They interpreted my brother’s beard and skullcap as signs of terrorism.” He lamented how the subsequent media coverage compounded their grief.
Amidst regional tensions, a digital misinformation wave burgeoned, marked by unverified claims and sensationalism. One prominent misstatement claimed India had destroyed a vital shipping port in Pakistan; another alleged that an Indian airstrike eliminated two Pakistani military planes. Manisha Pande, managing editor of Newslaundry, highlighted the unprecedented nature of this media frenzy, noting how irresponsible coverage fueled nationalist sentiments.
In a devastating turn, the Ahmed family learned of the slander through social media after Iqbal's burial. Misinformation surrounding his identity circulated quickly, with major outlets associating him with the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The police were compelled to release a statement deeming the allegations unfounded, stating Iqbal was a respected member of the community without any ties to terrorist groups. Yet, as Farooq Ahmed suggested, the damage was done, and the narrative had already permeated public consciousness.
Legal avenues to hold the media accountable are a thought for the grieving family. Still, with financial pressures mounting—since Iqbal was the sole breadwinner—such considerations are overshadowed by their immediate needs. Iqbal left behind two wives and eight children who are now grappling with loss and stigma.
Despite an official offer of government compensation, Ahmed fears it is insufficient to sustain his family long-term. He voiced his distress: “Who will tell the world he was a gentle teacher? For many, he's still a terrorist whose death is justified.” As Kashmir's discord continues, this narrative exemplifies the pernicious effects of misrepresentation, overshadowing a family's grief with unwarranted public scrutiny.
