ImanNet condemned the distribution of a hoax video about the strip search of an Indian diplomat in New York as despicable, irresponsible and provocative. Cites the video hoax used to unleash Muzaffarnagar pogrom.
Indian Minorities Advocacy Network (ImanNet) has condemned the distribution of a hoax video about the strip search of an Indian female counselor officer in New York, as a despicable and a deliberately provocative act. ” The mischievous act was perpetrated in the name of rallying the Indian masses against the alleged attack on the dignity of Ms. Devyani Khobragade, but the hoax video itself is the actual insult to her dignity.” said Dr. Shaik Ubaid, the president of ImanNet.
“Some sections of Indian media have developed an expertise in hatemongering through false news and videos'” said Dr. Ubaid,. The worst example is the recent anti-Muslim pogrom in Muzaffarnagar, unleashed after video clips of a Muslim mob lynching accused Muslim youth in Pakistan, was distributed as Indian Muslims lynching Hindus. Scores of people were killed, many women and girls gangraped and tens of thousands of Muslims were internally displaced by mobs whipped into frenzy of religious hatred and revenge by the hoax video..
“Just as there is currently a mass movement going on in India against corruption, a mass movement against hatemongering and intolerance is needed. I hope human rights activists and political leaders like Mr. Kejriwal will launch this movement. But it is the responsible section of the media which must spearhead this movement to reform and self regulate”, said Dr. Ubaid