The death of Mohammad Iqbal during cross-border shelling has devastated his family, who now face the additional hurt of media misrepresentation. With misleading claims spreading rapidly, they seek justice and truth in a complex political atmosphere filled with misinformation.
The Shadow of Misinformation: A Grieving Kashmiri Family's Struggle for Truth
The Shadow of Misinformation: A Grieving Kashmiri Family's Struggle for Truth
A Kashmiri family grapples with the death of a loved one in conflict, only to be further wounded by misreporting and false narratives labeling him a terrorist.
Farooq Ahmed's voice trembles with emotion as he recounts the tragic death of his brother, Mohammad Iqbal, who was killed in cross-border shelling in Indian-administered Kashmir on May 7. The tragedy occurred following a series of retaliatory airstrikes by India after a militant attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives. Pakistan has denied involvement in that attack. Iqbal, who dedicated over two decades to teaching at Zia-ul-Uloom, a local madrassa, became the target of misrepresentation shortly after his death.
“My brother was a teacher, but all they saw was a beard and a skullcap, branding him a terrorist,” laments Farooq. This was the start of a much deeper anguish for the family. The aftermath of Iqbal's death has seen a media frenzy wrongly labeling him as a fighter, which prompted local police to release a statement refuting these claims, correcting the narrative that Iqbal had any ties to terrorism.
Indian officials report that 16 people, including Iqbal, lost their lives during the military conflict, while Pakistan has claimed that 40 civilians were killed, raising ongoing questions about truth and accountability on both sides. Tensions have historically run high in the Kashmir region, a disputed territory that has sparked three wars between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947.
As the conflict intensified, misinformation began to proliferate, with conflicting claims rising on social media platforms and news channels. Of particular concern was the intensity of the misleading narratives that emerged. Manisha Pande, managing editor of independent news outlet Newslaundry, has termed the coverage “jingoistic and irresponsible,” highlighting how the media's rush for sensationalism has overlooked journalistic integrity.
Farooq Ahmed expressed his dismay over the media's baseless claims about his brother's identity. He spoke about the moment he first learned of Iqbal’s mischaracterization through a WhatsApp message showing a news clip falsely depicting him as a terrorist.
Despite the police's swift clarification stating that Iqbal was a respected figure with no ties to terrorism, the damage had already been done. The false claims went viral before the correction reached the masses. “The media needs to be accountable. Who verified their information? This misinformation has torn apart our family's life,” Ahmed asserts.
The family is now facing a fresh set of challenges in navigating financial uncertainty—Iqbal was the sole earner, supporting two wives and eight children. While some compensation has been offered by the government, Ahmed is troubled that it will barely cushion the financial blow of their loss. With their future uncertain, they seek not just support but also vindication. “To many, my brother is a terrorist, and they have justified his killing. How will anyone understand our pain?” he says, embodying the struggle of those caught between political narratives and personal tragedies.
As the conflict between India and Pakistan continues to evolve, so too does the need for responsible reporting rooted in truth rather than sensationalism.
