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"Dark money has turned our journalists into auctions": From calling them "students" to labeling them as the "headmaster's son" or simply a "young man who loved bikes," the media has an uncanny ability to transform terrorists into misunderstood souls

Almost all mainstream media outlets in India share this delightful habit of whitewashing terrorists, turning them into innocent souls or misunderstood individuals with colorful backstories
 |  Satyaagrah  |  Opinion
Indian Express faux pass: Forgets to remove editorial note to call Khalistanis as ‘militants’, not terrorists
Indian Express faux pass: Forgets to remove editorial note to call Khalistanis as ‘militants’, not terrorists

Oh, how delightful it is to witness the Indian Express stumble upon another faux pas! It seems that their commitment to whitewashing terrorists knows no bounds. They have truly mastered the art of crafting narratives that downplay the heinous acts of these individuals. From calling them "students" to labeling them as the "headmaster's son" or simply a "young man who loved bikes," the media has an uncanny ability to transform terrorists into misunderstood souls.

But let's not forget, they are not alone in this endeavor. Almost all mainstream media outlets in India share this delightful habit of whitewashing terrorists, turning them into innocent souls or misunderstood individuals with colorful backstories. It's like watching a dark comedy unfold before our eyes.

Now, let's dive into the case of Avtar Singh Khanda, the Khalistani terrorist who recently met his untimely demise. It appears that he was admitted to a hospital in Birmingham, UK, after an alleged poisoning incident. But hold on, there's a twist! Some reports suggest that Khanda actually had blood cancer. Oh, the irony! It's almost as if fate played a wicked game, combining two tragic elements in one fell swoop.

Indian Express faux pass

In a news report that was meant to inform the public about the unfortunate demise of Avtar Khanda, they left a little surprise tucked away within the article. It appears that they forgot to excise an intriguing editorial note, a hidden gem that instructed the writer to label Khanda as a 'militant' rather than the more conventional and widely accepted term, 'terrorist'. Can you believe it?

But hold on to your seats, because that's not all. The plot thickens as a vigilant Twitter user, aptly named 'Woke Janta', stumbled upon this journalistic gem and promptly shared it with the world. The power of social media strikes again, uncovering the hidden layers of the news and exposing the peculiarities that lie beneath it.

One can't help but wonder what went on behind the scenes at The Indian Express. Was it a deliberate act of defiance, a subtle rebellion against the mainstream narrative? Or was it an innocent oversight, an accidental slip of the editorial pen? The suspense is electrifying, leaving us yearning for answers.

Oh, the wonders of the media landscape! Just when you think you've seen it all, a revelation like this comes along, reminding us that even esteemed publications are not immune to the occasional misstep. It serves as a reminder that the world of journalism is a tapestry of surprises, where hidden messages and unexpected twists await the discerning reader.

How quaint! It's heartwarming to witness the media's dedication to using politically correct terminology for those who engage in acts of violence against innocent lives. After all, who needs accuracy when you can sugarcoat the truth?

Of course, the Indian Express quickly realized its blunder and attempted to rectify the situation by making necessary edits to the article. But thanks to the power of the internet, the original version with the revealing editorial note was captured and shared on Twitter for all to enjoy. It's like stumbling upon a hidden gem, a glimpse into the inner workings of media manipulation.

Avtar Singh Khanda and his terror links

Let's delve into the fascinating realm of Avtar Singh Khanda and his intricate web of terror links. Born in the vibrant district of Moga in Punjab, Khanda's life took a dark turn as he became entangled in the nefarious world of terrorism. His father, Kulwant Singh Khukrana, was no stranger to the shadows, having affiliations with both the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and the Khalistan Commando Force. Such familial ties undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping Khanda's trajectory.

Not content with confining his activities to his homeland, Khanda sought connections abroad, particularly in London, where he became associated with various Khalistani separatists. Notable among them were Joga Singh, Kuldip Singh Chaheru, and Gursharan Singh. Together, they formed a formidable alliance, orchestrating numerous Khalistani demonstrations across the United Kingdom. Their collective efforts aimed to propagate their divisive agenda, undermining the unity and integrity of the Indian nation.

But Khanda's influence extended beyond mere activism. He was a key player in nurturing the notorious chief terrorist of the Waris Punjab De (WPD) outfit, Amritpal Singh. Acting as his mentor, Khanda imparted invaluable knowledge and skills, preparing Amritpal to assume leadership of the organization. With Khanda's guidance, Amritpal embarked on a treacherous path, eventually returning to Punjab to further propagate the venomous ideology of WPD.

It is crucial to note that Khanda's association with terrorism went beyond ideological support. He was an active member of the dreaded Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a Khalistani terrorist group that had been banned in multiple countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and, of course, India. The BKI had wreaked havoc with its violent acts and posed a serious threat to the stability and security of the region.

Khanda's involvement in the attack on the Indian High Commission in London in March further highlights the depths of his engagement in acts of terror. This brazen act of aggression against a diplomatic mission is a stark reminder of the danger posed by individuals like Khanda and the importance of exposing their true nature.

While the Indian Express, in a momentary lapse of judgment, referred to Khanda as a 'militant' rather than a 'terrorist,' it is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of his actions and the implications they carry. Terrorism, regardless of the labels used, inflicts suffering, spreads fear, and aims to destabilize societies. Khanda's connections to banned organizations, his involvement in violent activities, and his role in radicalizing and mentoring other terrorists highlight the urgency of confronting and dismantling such networks.

The intricacies of Avtar Singh Khanda's terror links reveal a troubling reality, showcasing the complex interplay of ideology, personal connections, and transnational networks. It serves as a reminder that the fight against terrorism requires unwavering vigilance, international cooperation, and a commitment to upholding the principles of peace, unity, and justice.

Indian media and their efforts of whitewashing terrorists

But let's not forget the larger picture here. The Indian media, not just the Indian Express, has a knack for whitewashing terrorists with their creative narratives. It's an art form in itself. They have mastered the skill of transforming terrorists into anything but what they truly are. From portraying them as bright-eyed "students" to emphasizing their love for bikes or even highlighting their familial connections, the media truly has a way with words.

In fact, if you're eager to explore the depths of this dark comedy, we have a delightful article that delves into the UN's definition of terrorists and acts of terrorism. It serves as a marvelous exposé on how the term "militant" is conveniently employed to downplay the severity of their crimes. It's like watching a master illusionist at work, diverting attention from the truth with a clever sleight of hand.

Ah, the Indian Express, is always there to downplay the true essence of terrorism. It seems they have mastered the art of transforming terrorists into mere 'militants'. This peculiar habit is not limited to a single incident but permeates their reporting, as evidenced by a delightful episode in 2019. Despite the police clearly stating that two Islamic terrorists had met their deserved fate in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Express decided to take matters into their own hands and grace us with the term 'militant'. How refreshing!

But let's not be too harsh on the Indian Express, for they are not alone in this noble endeavor. Almost every mainstream media outlet in India shares their passion for whitewashing terrorists with euphemistic terms, crafted narratives, and sometimes, outright denial. Who would have thought that terrorists could be disguised as innocent 'students', the beloved offspring of headmasters, or even enthusiasts of two-wheeled vehicles? Truly, the imagination of these media outlets knows no bounds.

Oh, and if you desire a deep dive into the marvelous world of the UN's definition of terrorism and the crafty maneuvering of the term 'militant' to conceal the heinous crimes committed, do indulge in the pleasure of reading a detailed article on the subject. It's bound to enlighten and amuse you.

You see, the media has a remarkable talent for portraying terrorists as valiant warriors fighting against oppression. It's all part of their grand scheme to diminish the severity of radical Islam and the terrorism plaguing regions like Kashmir and Khalistan. After all, why bother acknowledging the hundreds of innocent lives lost and the incessant propagation of war against the Indian State for territorial ambitions? It's much simpler to relegate it to a mere armed resistance against the supposed 'oppression of the state'. And let's not forget the cherry on top—labeling Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists as 'militants' and bestowing the distinguished title of 'well-known activist' upon Khalistani terrorists. It's just another brilliant move in their ongoing project.

Truly, the media's ability to reshape reality and bend the truth is a marvel to behold. So, let us raise a toast to the media outlets for their relentless dedication to spinning narratives, blurring distinctions, and turning terrorists into misunderstood heroes. Bravo!

You see, the media has a grand project in mind. They want to convince us that these terrorists, whether it's the JeM militants or the valiant Khalistani activists, are not perpetrators of violence but rather noble warriors fighting against the oppressive state. It's an enchanting tale they weave, painting a picture of armed resistance against the so-called "oppression" of the Indian State.

So, my dear reader, sit back and enjoy the dark humor and sarcasm that pervades the media's portrayal of terrorists. It's a theater of absurdity, where facts take a backseat and narratives reign supreme. After all, who needs reality when you can create your own version of events?

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