Is the Media the Unofficial Peace Envoy in Kashmir?

The inception and rise of separatist violence in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a steady growth of media in the state, and now when peace formulae are being hotly discussed for bringing a lasting stability in the subcontinent, a large chunk of credit goes to the media for building strong public opinion against the hostilities.

Interestingly, the unprecedented growth of the media, perhaps, has been an unintended consequence of separatist violence and political conflict. Over one and half decades down the line, the level of violence is steadily declining , the sporadic incidents of terror notwithstanding, but the number of newspapers and the presence of other forms of news is on an upswing.

In the 18-year history of low intensity conflict in the state, war seemed to be certain with Pakistan at many times. On May 22, 2002 while addressing soldiers at Kupwara the then Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee said, “A challenge has been thrown to India and we accept it. My arrival here is indicative of something.” Vajpayee’s message was subtle and genuine following the Kaluchak massacre, but the hawks on the other side of border have been more bellicose in their tone.

However, from raising military formations on the borders to opening transit points across the divide and from writing each other’s territory as ‘occupied Kashmir’ to ‘administered Kashmir’, the media apparently has been able to tell the establishment in India and Pakistan the necessary ingredients for reaching at peaceful resolution of the critical issues.

Reporting on the Kashmir issue has been the most favourite subject of both the Indian and Pakistani media. During the early years of conflict when there was no direct personal contact between New Delhi and Islamabad, the establishment depended heavily on the media for sending across the different points of views. The fourth estate in both countries largely conforms and echoes government thinking on foreign policy.

The media in both the countries have played a significant role in rationalization of the existence as well as legality of each side’s claim or position in the Kashmir issue.

Coverage of Kashmir suggests that enemy images are embedded in the history and politics of the subcontinent and extends to economic and social interaction between the two countries.

It is a generalization that hostile media is always a hindrance to the peace process, but the media in Jammu and Kashmir have always demonstrated the maturity required for pragmatism.

It was the exchange of media persons across both sides of the Line of Control that actually set in motion cross border visits and exchange of ideas leading to a change in mindset. It was during the SAFMA media exchange program that a majority of newspapers and journalists on both sides began writing “Pakistan administered Kashmir” instead of “Pakistan occupied Kashmir” and “Indian Kashmir” instead of “Indian held Kashmir” as was the past practice. Though legally and technically correct, the expression “occupied” would always be taken as a slur. Similarly, a misleading expression of chauvinism, the word “India held Kashmir” in Pakistan media would always cause heartburns here.

Now when things seem to be improving it is only “Jammu and Kashmir” and “Pakistan administered Kashmir” as the media voluntarily takes up the role of unofficial peace ambassador between India and Pakistan.

In a politically sensitive state like Jammu and Kashmir, the newspaper industry has gone under enormous changes, in the past thirteen years. If the increase in number of newspapers without substantial jump in circulation is a positive trend the state has earned this distinction. Not only the addition of newspapers at the local level but also the shifting of base by a number of national newspapers, both Hindi and English, has added a new dimension to these changes.

Way back in 1989, the number of newspapers in the entire state was not more than five, out of which three Urdu newspapers----Aftab, Srinagar Times and Wadi Ki Awaz--- were published from Srinagar and dominated the newspaper market for three decades. Two English newspapers Kashmir Times and Daily Excelsior were published from Jammu, with the former having substantial circulation in the Valley.

With the onset of militancy in late 1989, the publication of newspapers saw a quantum jump with this trade becoming a free-for-all. It has now reached a level of saturation with those associated with media baffled over the trends in this industry. Even as the taste of switching over to newspapers for getting more and more news has developed in the state over a period of time, the invasion of cable TVs has further diminished the prospects of its healthy growth. As of now the number of daily newspapers published from Srinagar is nearly 20 out of which five are in English and the rest Urdu.

Jammu represents a rather interesting picture. From the two English dailies, the winter capital is now publishing seven reckonable English dailies while the two national Hindi dailies Amar Ujala and Dainik Jagran have left the observers baffled. In a state where Urdu is the official language these two Hindi newspapers are occupying a significant readership base.

According to estimates, with few exceptions, the circulation of newspapers has not made any significant headway. The highest circulation for a leading newspaper both in Urdu and English could be little over 20,000, which in any case is not comparable with a language newspaper anywhere in the country. Yet, why has there been a mushrooming growth in the newspaper industry and why is it being seen as a source of livelihood at a time when big media outlets in the country are facing the worst economic recession? These are the questions which have been lurking in the minds of every media professional.