The death of Mohammad Iqbal, a madrasa teacher from Poonch district in Kashmir, has sparked major controversy over the role of Indian media. On May 7, 2025, Iqbal was killed in cross-border firing. Right after his death, some Indian media outlets labeled him a “terrorist” without any proof. However, statements from the police and local authorities later confirmed that Iqbal was a respected religious teacher and had no links to any terrorist organization. This incident is now seen as an example of biased behavior and irresponsibility in the media toward Kashmiri Muslims.
Iqbal's Background and the Incident
Mohammad Iqbal was a teacher at the Jamiat-ul-Uloom madrasa in Poonch district. He had been teaching Islamic studies for over 20 years. On May 7, he was killed in cross-border gunfire. Soon after, several major Indian news outlets called him a terrorist without evidence. They even published his photo and name with false claims. Later, a statement from Poonch police clearly confirmed that Iqbal was a respected religious teacher and had no connections with any terrorist group.
Family Reactions and Social Impact
Iqbal’s brother, Farooq Ahmed, said his brother was a peaceful man who taught children in their village and was never involved in any violent activities. However, due to his beard and traditional clothing, some media houses wrongly branded him a terrorist, causing deep emotional pain. He said, "We lost our brother, and then the media insulted him." Iqbal had two wives and eight children and was the sole breadwinner for his family. These false claims have left his family mentally and financially broken.
Irresponsible Journalism and Misinformation
This case is a clear example of how some Indian media outlets spread false and irresponsible news. Several channels spread rumors on social media and aired false reports, which forced the government and local police to issue clarifications. Manisha Pande, managing editor at NewsLaundry, an independent media outlet in India, said, “The level of false reporting and unverified claims was shocking.” She also added, “I have never seen anything like this before.”
Religious Discrimination and Social Concerns
This incident highlights the problem of discrimination based on religious identity. The biased media coverage and anti-Muslim behavior have created fear and insecurity among Kashmiri Muslims. Such actions are dangerous for religious harmony and social unity.
Conclusion
The way Indian media handled Mohammad Iqbal’s death and spread false claims is not just painful for his family, but also for the whole Muslim community in Kashmir. This event makes us rethink the importance of responsible journalism, truth in reporting, and religious tolerance. To maintain peace and harmony in society, the media must ensure accurate and responsible reporting.