Fueling the Fire: Indian Media & the Phalgham Crisis

Fueling the Fire: Indian Media & the Phalgham Crisis

The tragic events in Phalgham on April 22, 2025, have exposed a dangerous flaw in the Indian media landscape: a willingness to prioritize war hysteria over responsible reporting. The term “Godi media,” signifying outlets perceived as mouthpieces for the government, feels less like criticism and more like a stark description of reality in the wake of this incident. With tensions already high with neighboring nations and communal fault lines running deep, the media’s role has been not to calm, but to actively stoke the flames.

 

By Altaf Hussain Wani

The immediate aftermath of Phalgham wasn’t journalism; it was a performance. While some outlets attempted to humanize the tragedy, the dominant narrative quickly devolved into breathless, hyperbolic pronouncements of national threat. This wasn’t reporting; it was a drumbeat for conflict. The focus shifted immediately from victims to a manufactured crisis, framing the incident as a deliberate act of aggression demanding a forceful response. This narrative was powerfully amplified by pronouncements from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Modi , in a cut of his Visit of Kingdom of Saudia Arabia rushed back to Delhi and addressed Nation security meeting and then in a public address

 

In Bihar , declared Phalgham a “brazen act of terror” and vowed a response that would “send a message to those who dare threaten the sovereignty of Bharat.” His National Security Advisor, Hime minister and Defense minister echoing this sentiment, publicly stated that “all options are on the table,” a thinly veiled reference to potential military action.

 

This deliberate escalation is profoundly irresponsible. By relentlessly pushing a narrative of imminent war, certain media houses aren’t just reporting news, they are creating a climate ripe for military escalation. The casual discussion of nuclear options – often framed as a necessary deterrent – the demonization of neighboring states, and the constant calls for “decisive action” are not displays of patriotism – they are reckless endangerment of the entire region. News channels hosted panels of retired generals advocating for pre-emptive strikes, while anchors repeatedly questioned the “resolve” of the government if it didn’t respond with overwhelming force. The narrative wasn’t about de-escalation; it was about proving India’s strength.

 

Worse still, the Phalgham incident has been relentlessly overlaid with communal bias. Instead of focusing on the shared grief and loss, many outlets have actively sought to frame the tragedy through a sectarian lens, amplifying existing prejudices and fueling distrust between communities. This isn’t accidental; it’s a calculated strategy to divert attention from failures and consolidate support through division. The victims’ stories are lost in a blizzard of communal accusations and inflammatory rhetoric. Pro-government commentators on television openly speculated about the involvement of “anti-national elements” and “foreign-funded radicals,” subtly hinting at a specific religious community. Social media was flooded with misinformation and hate speech, largely unchecked by both platforms and mainstream media outlets.

 

The “Godi media” phenomenon isn’t simply about bias; it’s about a complete abdication of journalistic ethics. It represents a media system prioritizing access and favour with the ruling establishment over its fundamental duty to the public. This access is often explicitly rewarded. Several media houses received exclusive interviews with government officials and were granted preferential treatment in covering national events, creating a clear incentive to toe the official line. While independent journalism still exists, it is increasingly drowned out by the sheer volume of propaganda masquerading as news. The few dissenting voices are routinely marginalized, labeled as “anti-national,” and subjected to online harassment.

 

Indian journalists must confront their role in this dangerous game. Reporting facts is no longer enough. They must actively challenge the narratives being pushed, demand accountability from those in power, and provide the context necessary for informed public discourse. This requires courage, a willingness to risk access, and a commitment to ethical principles. The constant self-censorship within many newsrooms is a chilling indicator of the pressure being exerted.

 

But the responsibility doesn’t rest solely with journalists. Indian citizens must become more discerning consumers of news. We must actively support independent media, demand transparency, and reject the sensationalism that fuels division. Media literacy is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for survival in a landscape saturated with misinformation. The proliferation of WhatsApp University and the uncritical sharing of fake news are contributing to a dangerously polarized society.

 

The Phalgham incident is a wake-up call. It’s a moment to reassess the role of media in Indian society and demand a return to journalistic principles of truth, accuracy, and responsibility. The government’s rhetoric, while appealing to nationalistic sentiment, has actively contributed to the escalation of tensions and the suppression of critical voices. The constant invocation of “national security” is being used as a shield to justify censorship and stifle dissent. The future of the nation, and perhaps the region, depends on it. The time for passive acceptance is over. We must actively dismantle the machinery of war hysteria before it consumes us all.

 

This isn’t about questioning patriotism; it’s about demanding responsible leadership and a media that serves the public interest, not the interests of those in power. It’s about recognizing that true strength lies not in aggressive posturing, but in peaceful dialogue, mutual understanding, and a commitment to truth. The current trajectory is unsustainable and dangerous, and the Indian media is playing a critical, and deeply troubling, role in accelerating it.

 

Writer is chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations Can be reached :- saleeemwani@hotmail.com  & X  @sultan1913 

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