“If we are not wise and careful enough then we will be directed to hate the oppressed and admire the oppressor“, as goes a popular saying. Well, as the pandemic began making headlines with an ever-increasing number of cases and fatalities, our media broadcasters and corporations rushed to conclude the negligence of the Jamaatis holed up in a Markaz for spreading the Corona infection.
The people were irked every time they were supplied with the images of the Jamaatis on their television screens as all attempts were made to vilify the entire Muslim community for this alleged uncalled act. As people were constantly glued to their television screens, various conspiracy theories were peddled, conveniently passing the blame on Maulana Saad who was said to be the brain behind this large-scale congregation.
The nationalistic media had taken it upon itself the role and responsibility of exposing vital links, networks and command-chains behind this large scale mass congregation, requesting an impartial and independent probe into their “findings”. Although they were detected negative when tested for Corona, they were still being placed under institutional quarantine.
Unverified reports of their misbehaviour and misconduct began doing the rounds on social media as many circulated fake links and videos to substantiate their arguments. People also began boycotting the sale and purchase of goods sold by Muslim vendors and distributors.
As many innocently became a pawn of the propaganda displayed on their screen sets, this repulsive thinking and thought process of a few fragmented general civic ties. Efforts were never made to investigate the trumped-up allegations. A Delhi court discharged eight Tablighis for lack of evidence showing their presence in Markaz.
The court has held that their was no prima facie evidence against them to corroborate the findings of the Delhi Police as a majority of the Jamaatis had taken plea deals and left for their countries. Media trial hads shaken their conscience, and tarnished their character by bringing disrepute and dishonour.
What purpose are they at all going to achieve if for any?
I ask this to you all. When are they going to re-learn a critical aspect of journalism, where no matter what the situation may be, you have to stand as a defender of human rights, dignity and values. There can never be any compromise on this. Our media needs to regain its lost repute of being the fourth pillar of democracy