South Central 25 | Pahalgam attack: How will India strike at Pakistan? and World Press Freedom Index
May 2, 2025
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Nirupama Subramaniam, a seasoned journalist with four decades in the field, joins the discussion to analyze the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam attack and the potential responses from India. Delving into the complexities of geopolitical tensions, she highlights the implications of the Indus Waters Treaty and the growing communal violence in India. The conversation also tackles recent shifts in the World Press Freedom Index, raising questions about the realities of media independence amid political pressures and the role of independent journalism in a democratic landscape.
The Pahalgam attack underscores the urgent need for India to enhance its response strategies to cross-border violence from Pakistan.
The rising concentration of media ownership in India has contributed to self-censorship, undermining press freedom and public trust in journalism.
The approval of a caste census aims to address social disparities but raises concerns about its potential to deepen political and social divides.
Deep dives
Media's Decline in India
The state of media freedom in India has been troubling, reflecting a gradual decline in press rights and independence. Many media outlets are subjected to ownership by powerful corporations, leading to self-censorship and lack of critical reporting on the government. Reports highlight the intimidation and coercion faced by journalists, making it increasingly difficult for them to report freely and fairly. As a result, the media landscape has shifted towards a culture of compliance, stifling genuine journalism and diminishing public trust.
The Impact of Caste Census
The cabinet's approval for a caste census in the upcoming population tally is a significant political development in India. This move aims to provide essential data that will help address social and economic disparities, guiding policy formation. Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns regarding how this information might be used politically and whether it could further polarize the electorate. The opposition, particularly the Congress party, may claim credit for this decision, complicating the government's narrative about caste affairs.
Caste and Governance
Discussions surrounding the caste census highlight the prevailing tensions about caste identities in India. Many argue that a census will better inform governmental policies aiming to uplift marginalized communities, providing a more accurate representation of societal dynamics. However, some factions fear that a focus on caste could exacerbate divisions and instigate social unrest, especially amid India's complex political landscape. The upcoming census will thus play a crucial role in defining the future of political discourse around caste.
Violence and Social Unrest
Recent incidents, including a lynching in Mangaluru, raise alarms about rising mob violence and the public's increasing intolerance towards dissent. The brutal attack on a man over alleged slogans at a local cricket match illustrates a dangerous trend where communal tensions erupt violently, often with fatal consequences. Reporting on such incidents reveals a disturbing acceptance among some citizens of such violent retaliations, especially against minority groups. This escalation in violence poses significant threats to social cohesion and safety, demanding urgent attention from authorities.
Role of Media in Modern India
Amidst these challenges, discussions also focus on the evolving role of media in shaping public opinion and influencing politics in India. The significant ownership concentration among a few conglomerates has led to a narrative that often reflects vested interests rather than unbiased reporting. Concurrently, there's a rise in independent journalism through various platforms, as journalists strive to tell nuanced stories outside mainstream narratives. This environment underscores the importance of supporting independent media to ensure diverse voices are heard and democracy is upheld.
In the aftermath of the tragic killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, how should India respond — and what signals do recent government measures really send? Meanwhile, India has moved up in the World Press Freedom Index. But does this reflect actual change on the ground, or just a shifting global baseline?
On South Central Episode 25, Dhanya Rajendran, Pooja Prasanna, and Leena Reghunath speak with international relations expert Professor Amitabh Mattoo and senior journalist Nirupama Subramaniam.
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