Sunday, December 22News and updates from Kashmir

Controversy Incarnate: The hate-filled coverage of a right-wing YouTuber fuels outrage in Kashmir

Ah, the “YouTube adventurer” – on a noble quest to bring light to the dark streets of Kashmir, but not in the way you’d think.

Armed with nothing but a microphone, a camera, and a mind-blowing ability to connect dots that don’t exist, our YouTuber prowls the streets with the subtlety of a bull in a china shop.

Her street interviews are a masterclass in twisting narratives. With the precision of a conspiracy theorist, she skillfully manages to link Islam to extremism and, through a few well-placed questions, makes it sound like being pro-Islam is basically the same as being anti-BJP. Because, of course, to her, BJP and Hinduism are synonymous. One can almost hear the collective sigh of confusion from Hindus who don’t subscribe to the BJP’s particular brand of “cultural” nationalism.

Meanwhile, as Kashmiri media tries to tell the stories of real people, our YouTuber is busy serving up controversy on a silver platter, encouraging locals to talk about militants, stone pelters, and every other topic that would put a target on their back. She’s the kind of interviewer who’ll ask you how you’re doing right before chucking you off a metaphorical cliff.

And while Kashmiris are left picking up the pieces of their shattered security, her followers are busy leaving comments like, “Finally, someone’s showing the truth!” – because nothing says truth like asking loaded questions and editing footage to fit a particular agenda.

But here’s the kicker – this brave warrior of Hindutva doesn’t even spare the kids. She proudly declares that Hindu rituals have “returned” to Kashmir post-Article 370, conveniently ignoring the fact that they never actually left. Yep, even in the peak of militancy, people were still lighting diyas. But hey, why let facts get in the way of a good narrative?

And of course, no tale of YouTube heroism would be complete without a supporting cast of anonymous trolls. These brave souls, who hide behind fake accounts, are only too happy to fan the flames of hatred from the comfort of their armchairs. As the YouTuber lights the match, these folks are out there running around with gas cans, making sure the fire burns bright. It’s almost poetic, really. The only thing missing is some kind of soundtrack – may I suggest “Yakety Sax”?

Now, in one particularly touching moment, a local boy dared to ask her to stop interviewing people. Naturally, she responded with the grace and composure of someone who’s definitely not there to provoke. She called him an “idiot,” and her right-wing fan base erupted in applause, praising her for standing her ground. Bravo. Nothing says “professionalism” quite like a public shouting match with a random passerby. But don’t worry, right-wing trolls quickly swooped in to share their edited versions of the incident, offering it up as evidence of her “bravery” while completely ignoring the absurdity of the situation.

Of course, she’s no stranger to controversy – this isn’t her first rodeo. With a long history of anti-Muslim propaganda under her belt, she’s made a name for herself by visiting places where Hindu-Muslim tensions are already simmering and tossing in a few accusatory questions for good measure. Why ask about facts when you can just push an agenda?

And her most recent triumph? She managed to twist the words of a Kashmiri man who, bless his soul, didn’t speak a lick of Hindi. The poor guy just said he wouldn’t sell his land to anyone or allow temples or alcohol on his property. Not exactly groundbreaking stuff, but in the hands of our YouTuber, it became a case of “anti-Hindu sentiment.” You’ve got to admire the sheer creativity. Someone get her an award – for fiction.

But here’s the thing – she’s not alone. She’s just the most flamboyant of the lot. There’s a whole parade of reporters and YouTubers who start their pieces to camera with a hearty “Jai Sanatan Dharm” before proceeding to do the journalistic equivalent of setting fire to a dumpster. It’s all in a day’s work for our self-styled defenders of the faith.

So, while she prowls the streets of Kashmir, stirring up trouble with the finesse of a toddler playing with matches, one thing is clear: She may not be solving any real issues, but boy, is she entertaining her crowd.

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