Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – April 24, 2025 — Tensions flared in Srinagar on Wednesday as local residents staged a protest against what they described as inflammatory and one-sided reporting by several national media outlets in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam attack.

Gathering in the city’s commercial hub of Lal Chowk, protesters accused visiting media crews of distorting facts and fueling narratives that could deepen communal divides in the region. Demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans such as “Stop Dividing Us” and “Media Must Act Responsibly,” urging reporters to avoid coverage that could further destabilize the fragile social fabric.

“They’re not here to report the truth. They’re here to provoke,” said one demonstrator, visibly emotional. “People have died, and instead of mourning with us, they are stoking division. This is not journalism—it’s exploitation.”

Another local added, “We are already grieving a tragic loss. Irresponsible media coverage only rubs salt into our wounds. In a place like Kashmir, words can spark real consequences.”

The protest comes amid growing concerns over media sensationalism in conflict-prone areas, particularly in Kashmir, where the stakes of public discourse are high and the potential for unrest is ever-present. Residents are calling on media organizations to uphold ethical standards and prioritize peace over prime-time drama.

No violence was reported during the protest, but the message from Srinagar’s streets was clear: responsible journalism is not just a professional duty—it is a social imperative.