Indian Media – Misleading Narrative on Latest Delhi Violence

February 29, 2020

Indian Media – Misleading Narrative on Latest Delhi Violence

Padmini Arhant

India’s Capital – New Delhi has been subject to horrific violence with targeted killings premised on prejudice and deep hatred emanating from polarization politics that is unfortunate and regrettable reminding citizens of politics instigated past events whether it is 1984 Sikh massacre in Delhi, Punjab and northern India, Demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 triggering violence, Gujarat Godhra bloodshed in 2002, Muzzafarnagar in 2013…to name a few invariably ignited by political parties and political factions in India. 

In the backdrop of such history continued until today, the Indian media’s false narrative citing the three days violence, vandalism and destruction of lives and livelihoods as Hindu – Muslim riots is in itself extremely irresponsible and unnecessary sensationalism. 

The media touted as fourth column in a democracy bear serious responsibility to douse the fire not inflame for ratings (TRP). Certain prominent media attributing the recent Delhi violence to communal clash between Hindu and Muslims contrary to state sponsored isolated killings replicating 2002 Gujarat violence beckons discernment in reporting such sensitive incident. 

The pre-meditated and well orchestrated attacks on the poor and lower income group neighborhoods with Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs and other residents living there in harmony confirmed in the mutual support and assistance to one another saving lives during the vicious assaults on them, their homes and place of worship was the focus for radical elements representing divisive politics to split the community. 

In the absence of any response from the Central and State government despite cognizance on the imminent development together with apathetic law enforcement failing to contain the onslaught on innocent men, women and children forcing them to flee their homes is deplorable.

The systematic carnage of K-12 school building, business centers, gas station, parking lot with cars in the nearby areas and above all bullet injuries sustained by most victims of which the majority are muslims and the multiple stab wound reportedly 400 times on the intelligence official among many other gross violations in North East Delhi clearly allude to have been orchestrated by those with assets at their disposal including the power to distort and subvert the horrendous crime as communal unrest.

As for hate speeches and provocation, an established demeanor in politics and RSS guided BJP spare no opportunity in this regard as witnessed not only among the junior BJP cadre and rank and file but also with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading in this context during public rally to pay attention to muslims clothes and their special accessories to identify them among students in Jamia Millia Islamia college police crackdown. 

As a result, the efforts to delay judicial process evading accountability is a repeat strategy for both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah throughout their political tenure. On the other hand, the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s true colors coming to light is indeed a major disillusionment for Delhi electorate granting the latter a landslide victory in the latest Delhi assembly election only to be dismissed by the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the critical hour of need clarifies political opportunism. 

Suffice to conclude that trust deficit in politics is the predominant factor prompting ordinary people to take the burgeoning issues like CAA, NPR, NRC, economic and environment concerns threatening their identity as citizens and statehood, personal survival and future respectively in the form of peaceful non-violent assembly and candle light vigil. 

Importantly, Delhi victims, their families and survivors of the atrocities in the present time desperately require healing, restoration, rehabilitation and renewed hope helping all those affected with Central and State monetary compensation and adequate facilities to resume normal life. 

There will be more updates on the matter.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

 

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