Arfa Khanum Sherwani, The Wire’s journalist, had her mirage and myth broken by the polling in Srinagar, Kashmir. Her recent coverage of the fourth phase of polling of Lok Sabha Elections 2024, shows her and her viewers that her assertions regarding Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 were grossly incorrect. The reality on the ground was far different from her interactions and presentation. Let’s discuss how Kashmiris debunked Arfa Aunty!!!
Arfa Khanum Sherwani and Her Kashmiri Conundrum
Important day for Kashmir’s democratic life. The weather is pleasant. Taking a stroll at Lal Chawk, trying to understand the pulse of the people of Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/hWagEF8xNI
— Arfa Khanum Sherwani (@khanumarfa) May 13, 2024
Arfa Khanum Sherwani began her expose of Kashmir by walking down the streets of Srinagar. There is a bounce in her step as she walks without security or a burqa! However, she talks of the closure of shops as a representation of public suppression in the region. Her video byte says that people were scared on polling days and chose to keep their shops shut to avoid unnecessary complications with authorities.
However, a closer examination of the facts reveals the fallacy of Arfa aunty’s Narrative.
BREAKING: The Wire journalist Arfa Khanum (@khanumarfa) spreads fake news that shops were closed in Kashmir because locals were furious.
In reality, it was the J&K Admin's decision to keep the polling date as a holiday.
This could potentially create tension in a sensitive area… pic.twitter.com/P5sabw9Y1S
— Treeni (@TheTreeni) May 14, 2024
Arfa Khanum Sherwani took to social media platforms to claim that 99% of the shops in Srinagar were closed “without any formal order to do so”. Yet, after a thorough investigation by a media house, a contrasting picture was uncovered. An order was issued in J&K to explicitly mandate paid holidays for voters on the day of polling. As per the notification by the ECI, shops and offices were shut to encourage voters to come out and participate in this Democracy ka Mahaparv! Therefore, this order dispels any notion of arbitrary shop closures as presented by Arfa Aunty! This supposedly ‘experienced’ journalist misread the situation to make her sensational video report on Kashmir.
Deconstructing Deceptive Dialogues By Arfa Khanum Sherwani
My kid of Muslim .
New Jammu Kashmir .Thanks @narendramodi ji
Bharat Mata ki Jai .Please retweet it .pic.twitter.com/iYZkCiFeEH
— Aquib Mir (@aquibmir71) May 14, 2024
Arfa Khanum Sherwani’s vlog report on Kashmir used a selective portrayal of public sentiment in Kashmir. She presented Kashmir as an oppressed region that yearns for statehood and jobs. She spoke with two candidates who aspire to become the voice of the nation in the new Parliament. These two gentlemen stated that the region was not flourishing as projected by PM Modi and the media. However, during that particular byte, one of the candidates revealed that he was arrested for anti-national activities. Thus, his perspective must surely be discounted.
An honest Kashmiri interviewee debunked Arfa in her own vlog.
His views starkly contrasted with those Arfa features on her social media page.
Arfa Khanum: Issue ky hai yaha?
Response: "Issue bahot hai yaha, jo pichle politicians aaye hai unhone halat khrab krke rakha hai, kehte hai BJP ki vjah se hai, Nahi hai BJP ki vjah se"
Arfa crying in a corner, Jhande ghadd gye chaati(chest) mein.#Election2024… pic.twitter.com/P65bryjPiD
— Average Engineer (Modi Ki Bua Ka Ladka) (@yebhadiyatha) May 13, 2024
The gentleman told Arfa that terrorism had almost vanished from the streets. And the crippled voice of the people is finding new strength under the Indian government. Please note that the Chief Electoral Officer of J&K reported the highest voter turnout in Srinagar since 1998. This data in itself is indicative of the growing faith in democratic processes and the positive trajectory of the region.
Vote in Peaceful Kashmir for a developed & Prosperous Kashmir…..
Polling without bloodshed…This is PM @narendramodi Ji's #BadaltaJammuKashmir.#ViksitJnK@diprjk pic.twitter.com/lJmYJXNdB6— Dr Darakhshan Andrabi (@drdarakhshan) May 13, 2024
A female Kashmiri leader spoke to another media channel. The lady was very happy with the way democracy was progressing in the state. These bytes show how Arfa Khanum Sherwani failed to capture the diverse voices and perspectives prevalent in Kashmir. Moreover, it highlighted how Arfa Aunty used small segments to allege discontent in the region. Is this not a form of treason? Is she deliberately trying to incite discontent in the region by spreading false narratives? Contrary to Arfa Aunty’s vlog, numerous videos circulating on social media showcased the enthusiasm and optimism among voters. Kashmiri voters expressed their solidarity with the nation post abrogation of Article 370 by going to the polling booth.
A Twisted Tale Featuring Arfa Aunty
Celebrating the World's Largest Democracy
Polling teams traverse #Kashmir’s scenic lakes, delivering democracy to the doorsteps of voters over 85 and those with disabilities, ensuring every voice is heard in the robust Indian democratic process.#MotherOfDemocracy… pic.twitter.com/LUh9eOXbIe
— IndusLens (@Indus_Lens) May 9, 2024
Arfa Khanum Sherwani’s reporting was missing from the scene in Kashmir during the G20 Meet. She was also notably absent when the Formula 4 Racing Event rocked the region. However, during election season, she boldly chose to go to an erstwhile terror-ridden region. Here she did not need personal security nor did she need to hide behind a Burqa. But she still chose to talk of Kashmir as a region oppressed by the Union government. She chose to misrepresent the government order meant to ensure that every eligible voter, including daily wage workers, got a chance to exercise their democratic right.
This is what PM Sh. @narendramodi has achieved after abrogation of Art. 370.
People waiting for their turn at various polling booths of Srinagar Parliamentary constituency.
No more Boycott calls, No more Hartals this is the death of Hurriyat and Separatist groups in Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/cdUtmgFbvN— Politicspedia ( मोदी जी का परिवार ) (@Politicspedia23) May 13, 2024
Arfa Aunty used her vlog to present the case that shops and offices are shut due to fear of the BJP regime!
She also chose to use a select few media bytes to paint a picture of oppression in Kashmir. Almost as if she is unable to see the large number of Kashmiris posting about the health of the region. The lack of statehood seems to pinch Arfa Aunty the most! Why? These elections would allow Kashmiri representatives to be the voice of the people in the parliament. Why is she so perturbed to see looters of Kashmir out of power due to lack of statehood? Is she unaware of the terror nexus that is being dismantled slowly and quietly in the area?
Points to Ponder
It all comes down to the fact that Arfa Khanum Sherwani loves to cast aspersions on PM Modi and the BJP. They are damned in her eyes for every breath they take. Thus, while she walks into a terror-free Kashmir that records a high number of votes after decades, Arfa Khanum Sherwani still turns a blind eye to the truth. The transformation underway in Kashmir is palpable, despite Arfa Aunty’s attempt at misinformation. The social media has broken the mirage that Arfa attempts to propagate.
The ground reality in Kashmir reflects a narrative of hope, progress, and democratic empowerment. It is a story of resilience and transformation under visionary leadership. As Kashmir embraces a new dawn of development and prosperity, the voices of its people must be accurately represented and celebrated on the national stage. Let’s hope Arfa Aunty can finally see beyond her self-created mirage of misinformation!