Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, May 5: In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir has seen a troubling influx of YouTubers from outside the Valley, many masquerading as mainstream journalists.
Equipped with cameras, headphones and microphones, these self-proclaimed “media figures” are allegedly promoting sensationalism and communal narratives, painting a distorted and damaging image of Kashmir.
Sources reveal that YouTubers from various parts of the country, and even from the Jammu division, have set up temporary bases across Kashmir. Their unethical and provocative activities are causing growing unease among locals.
“They are not here to understand Kashmir, they are here to sell fear and hatred,” said a Srinagar-based journalist, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In one particularly disturbing incident, a woman YouTuber was seen “interviewing” a mentally unstable man, misrepresenting his incoherent responses as the collective voice of Kashmiris.
Such irresponsible portrayals have already sparked tensions among Kashmiri students studying outside the Valley. “We are being judged based on fake interviews,” said a Kashmiri student in Delhi. “It is creating fear and suspicion against us.”
Observers also note that these content creators, desperate for likes, shares, and viral content, deliberately avoid credible voices in Kashmir. Instead, they are targeting children and vulnerable individuals to push skewed narratives.
“They know they won’t get inflammatory statements from sensible people, so they manipulate the weak and the unaware,” remarked a member of the local civil society.
Adding to the concern, a well-known media anchor was recently caught on video chasing two women for an interview, highlighting once again the deteriorating standards of media ethics in such engagements.
Reacting strongly to these developments, the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS) issued a statement to OnlyKashmir.in, urging the public to remain vigilant.
“People must avoid participating in unverified or suspicious media activities,” the JKCS statement said. “We call upon authorities and regulatory bodies to closely monitor these rogue elements and take legal action where necessary. Those spreading unrest under the garb of journalism must be held accountable.”
The JKCS also appealed to genuine media professionals to uphold journalistic ethics and actively discourage such malpractice. “True journalism is about truth, not about chasing headlines at the cost of peace,” the statement added.
As Kashmir grapples with the aftermath of tragedy, the situation highlights an urgent need for vigilance, responsible reporting, and collective efforts to protect the region’s fragile social harmony.
