JEDDAH: A seminar organized by Tanima, a Keralite cultural organization, here on Friday denounced a section of the Indian media for their deliberate attempt to incriminate Muslims with false, biased and sensationalized reporting.
Speakers at the seminar voice
d their fears that such illegitimate and unjust media intervention would isolate Muslims from the mainstream and destroy communal harmony, and thus making a negative impact on the country.
Farouk Muhammad presented a research paper on the main theme “Media Terrorism: Its Unknown Dimensions.” Citing several examples, he argued that some media organizations in India were making intentional effort to project Muslims as terrorists.
He called on peace-loving people to raise their voices against the media’s anti-Muslim tirade and double standards.
“The media’s duty is to stand by the victims and not by the oppressors,” he insisted.
Kassim Irikkur, news editor of Gulf Madhyamam daily, said the fascist media had played a big role in upsetting communal amity in Kerala where Hindus, Muslims and Christians have been living peacefully for centuries.
“If intellectuals and politicians fail to reverse this situation, Kerala will be lost forever,” he added. He criticized the move to demonize Soofiya, the wife of PDP leader Abdunnaser Madani, saying it is a gross injustice. Soofia has been falsely implicated in a terrorism-related case.
KTA Muneer of the Indian Cultural Congress censured the Muslim-bashing by some television channels and newspapers. However, he pointed out that such incidents should encourage Muslims to review their activities and change their ways.
Gopinath Nedungadi of Kalaswadaka Sangam said terrorism was not only found in the media but also in trade, health service, education and other sectors as a result of moral degradation. He advised Muslims to deal with things intelligently rather than emotionally.
Rayinkutty Nirad of KMCC and Lateef of Novodaya also spoke. Fasal Kochi was the moderator. Earlier, K.M. Basheer, chief patron of Tanima, released the 60th anniversary issue of Prabhodanam Islamic weekly by giving a copy to Nedungadi. K.H. Abdul Raheem welcomed the guests and K.K. Nizar gave a vote of thanks.