Silence on Communal Riots: The Narratives Behind Bengali Pasts and Present TV Coverage

Communal riots are a recurring issue in Indian society, sparked by complex historical and social factors. In the case of West Bengal, there is often a debate around why major national TV networks like NDTV and others are silent on these critical incidents. This article delves into the historical context, the regional biases in television coverage, and the role of social media in shaping public perception during such events.

The Historical Origins of Communal Riots

The root cause of most communal riots lies deeply embedded in the collective psyche of Bengalis, a predominantly intellectual group. This mindset often reflects a divide that has persisted since the partition of India and Pakistan. It is notable that the idea of Pakistan (now Bangladesh) derived from the region known today as Bangladesh, indicating a long-standing political and communal tension.

While the Punjab region faced significant challenges during the partition, it was the Bengalis who played a crucial role in exacerbating conflicts. The 1970s saw Punjabi migrants being ruthless towards Bengalis, partly as a response to the earlier partition. This historical context helps explain the deep-seated animosity that sometimes underlies communal tensions.

It is also interesting to note that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's decision to support the liberation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) can be seen as a strategic move to prevent a complete collapse of the Pakistani state, without intending to aid Bengal's cause directly. This decision, while often criticized, had profound implications for both India and Pakistan.

Regional Biases in Television Coverage

Another aspect to consider is the regional bias in television coverage. National TV channels tend to focus disproportionately on events in Western, Central, and Northern India, often neglecting significant events in Eastern states like West Bengal. This bias is clearly evident in the way news events are reported and the amount of coverage they receive.

A case in point is the floods in Assam, which occurred recently but received less coverage than the floods in Northern Bihar. The reasons behind this bias could be multifaceted, ranging from editorial preferences to the financial and political power dynamics at play. This lack of balanced coverage can exacerbate regional tensions and misinform the public about the true state of affairs in different parts of the country.

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Falsification

During events like communal riots, social media often emerges as a primary platform for spreading unverified information and propaganda. Local criminal gangs and other unsavory individuals may take on the role of information sources, often with malicious intent. This lack of proper reporting from mainstream channels can lead to a distorted narrative and increased tensions.

A significant riot occurred in Dhulagarh, where the local people believe the incident was due to local criminal gangs, not religious factors. In contrast, the riot in Basirhat was seen as a clear case of communal disharmony. The lack of proper coverage from mainstream news channels results in a vacuum that social media often fills with false information and propaganda.

Professional journalism and truth-telling are essential in such situations. The failure of these channels to provide solid, truthful journalism, instead focusing on ratings, leads to a severe lack of accountability. The onus is on the TV channels to reconsider their priorities and focus more on journalistic ethics and less on short-term ratings.

In conclusion, the silence of NDTV and similar channels on communal riots in West Bengal is not merely a logistical oversight but a reflection of deeper regional biases and the struggle between truth and sensationalism. Addressing this requires a collaborative effort from both the media and the viewers to prioritize quality journalism over mere ratings and sensationalism.