Missing stories in Jammu and Kashmir

* Militant killed in encounter: civilian shot dead

* HM Militant killed, arms seized

* Ultras strike in Billawar; kill mother, daughter

* Healing touch of the Indian Army

 
News in the strife-torn state of Jammu & Kashmir on a typical day comprise usually of the above headlines. Militancy, security operations and activities of security forces, followed by politics are the subjects that catch the maximum attention of the media in J&K and are reported the most frequently. The majority of the local newspapers and regional editions of national newspapers devote sizeable space to such topics. And even news in the electronic media, including the bland local TV network and national channels, is dominated by activities of terrorist groups and security forces (mostly the Indian Army), followed by the reactions and reports of various political groups. Other issues concerning the state and its people do find a mention, but is definitely not a priority with media persons  and the stories are usually buried in the inside pages of the newspapers.

Fifteen years of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir has left the state with the huge burden of myriad socio-eco problems. Unremitting violence, constant displacement, lack of a permanent and an alternate source of employment, inadequate health and education facilities, death of traditional vocations and decaying of conventional cultural practices etc are just a few of the problems afflicting the state. Surprisingly however, little of the above mentioned problems find space and voice in both the local and national media. Despite people facing innumerable
psychosocial and development problems, it`s hardly projected on a sustained basis in the media. Instead, what screams for attention and looks glaringly at our faces each morning are about - brutal deaths at the hands of militants or security forces, fiercest battles being fought and rhetoric mouthed by hardcore and liberal militant groups and activities of publicity seeking security forces.

Says an editor of one of the most prominent local dailies: "The reality today is that J&K has been ravaged by militancy and is still swarming with security forces. So undoubtedly, this reality is reflected in the newspapers here." But why only news related to deaths and security operations? Media persons here admit that unlike other states of the country it`s not easy exploring different kinds of reports in J&K. The state`s `s difficult terrain; peculiar socio-political condition and volatile law and order situation prevents many from following stories.

Among the security forces, the Army in J&K is the most active and the increasing number of news items, not just related to security action, finds daily mention in all the leading newspapers. From Raising Day celebrations of the individual units and formations and inaugurations of computer centers and hospitals, to Operation Sadhbhavana and other social and cultural functions - almost every Army event and relief work carried out is a newsworthy event in J&K and senior Army officers and their spouses are considered nothing short of celebrities. Initially shy, the Army is gradually becoming more media savvy, shaking off its earlier self-imposed insularity and implementing its media strategy to the fullest in J&K. In an information-starved environment, the media exploits the Army senior hierarchy`s constant need for publicity. At the same time, the media with hardly any in depth and investigative stories to write about finds the security forces and its PRO a constant source of news and information, even if they are irrelevant.

Opines a senior Army officer on condition of anonymity " we woke up to the power of the media only during Kargil operations. The war was covered in depth and for the first time people actually understood the kind of hardship that we undergo."  In fact, realising the importance of the local media, the Army has been focusing on interacting closely with the local media and has even taken the local media in J&K to a few of the forward posts along the LoC.

Though there is hardly anything that is `newsworthy` which does not have a security force or militancy connection in J&K, what usually escapes the attention of the national media is the other side of the story when human rights violation takes place. It`s only when the issue is raked up by organization or an accused - on rare occasions - that the media picks up the story. Even the militant groups in Srinagar wield considerable influence over the media, particularly in the Valley. Several column centimeters are devoted to their views, opinions and actions, especially in small local newspapers. However, the militant groups often accuse the Indian media "of only projecting the Army`s relief work."

Despite the dominance of militancy related reports in J&K, journalists and academicians believe that the media environment is changing for the better. They are optimistic that with the proliferation of television channels and local editions of newspapers, the state would be covered widely to revel other unknown aspects of the state.