Let’s Counter Negative Narrative on Art 370

Amrish Kumar
In the modern world, wars are not fought solely with large armies and advanced weapons; the greatest power in fifth-generation warfare lies in the ability to change the thoughts of the entire society. This power is called “Narrative Building.” Social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc., are extensively used to establish any Narrative.
Narrative Building is not a new strategy; it has been in practice for decades. Earlier, the resources for Narrative Building were very limited, such as television and radio, which were mostly under Government control. However, since the advent of the social media revolution, circumstances have changed. Now, political parties, non-Governmental organizations, anarchists, and even foreign powers are fully utilizing the power of Narrative. From increasing sales through advertising to changing the Government of an adversary nation without firing a single shot, this Narrative Building possesses immense power.
It is said that if a lie is repeated often enough, it starts to seem true. For example, consider the story of a farmer and a goat. Once, a farmer bought a goat at a fair. Four swindlers saw the farmer buying the goat and devised a plan to deceive him. The four swindlers positioned themselves at different points along the path the farmer would take to return home with the goat. When the farmer passed the first swindler, the swindler said, “Hey brother, where are you taking this dog tied up?” The farmer replied, “Can’t you see? This is not a dog, it’s a goat.” and moved on. The second swindler said the same thing, and so did the third. The farmer started to doubt himself, thinking, “How can three people be lying?” When the fourth swindler repeated the same thing, the farmer became convinced that the goat was indeed a dog, so he left the goat on the road and went on his way. The four swindlers then captured the goat and took it away.
Similarly, antisocial elements and foreign powers are using social media to establish their negative and false Narrative in society. One such Narrative is being established regarding the abrogation of Article 370. Efforts are being made to create a narrative that the abrogation of Article 370 has harmed the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A whole network of anti-national elements is working to establish this false narrative, without any authentic facts or basis. They are trying to mislead the patriotic society by combining falsehoods with emotional exploitation through social media.
To break this heinous conspiracy, the aware society of Jammu and Kashmir and patriotic social service organizations need to come together and present facts based on truth and authenticity. We need to discuss the condition of Jammu and Kashmir before the abrogation of Article 370 and the countless benefits that have accrued to the people of Jammu and Kashmir afterward, such as:
– The multifaceted and infrastructural progress of Jammu and Kashmir, including the construction of national highways, ring roads, expressways, and tunnels.
– Large-scale industrialization through the new industrial policy.
– Citizenship rights granted to women of Jammu and Kashmir, West Pakistan refugees, the Gorkha community, and the Valmiki community.
– Reconstruction of hundreds of demolished religious places in Jammu and Kashmir.
– Implementation of all central schemes in Jammu and Kashmir, such as Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Back to Village scheme.
– Establishment of institutions like AIIMS, IIT, IIM, and IMC.
In conclusion, it is every citizen’s social duty to thwart such conspiracies in the interest of the nation.