Real Politicians, Fake Photos



Real Politicians, Fake Photos

I have heard that appearances are deceptive but images can be deceptive too! I just came to know that Photoshop is quite popular with politicians now-a-days to create audience for their large public rally? I have to say it was a revelation for me that politicians can ridicule themselves in such a ludicrous manner. A couple of days ago I received an article written by Murtaza Shibli (Editor, Kashmir Affairs, London http://www.kashmiraffairs.org/) about this subject. I was interested in this topic because he mentioned among others Chief Minister of the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir; Ghulam Nabi Azad uses photo-editing software to manipulate crowds to show the world community how much public support he enjoys. (Photo attached)

In Kashmir from last 60 years people are claiming self-determination and are victimised by the State terrorism. The surrogate local government in Kashmir has to survive on political spin and therefore unethical methods of staying in power seem necessary, like photo-shopping the audience. These phantom impressions may not however conform to the inept statements they make. Mr Azad made a statement on 6th August 2006 that during his brief time in office only 2395 civilian deaths, 27 custodial killings and 15 disappearances were recorded as against his erstwhile government whose record was worse with 6024 civilian deaths, 67 custodial killings and 60 disappearances (published in Greater Kashmir Daily, 7th August 2006). The real figures are much higher by admission of his opposition colleague PDP President Ms Mufti but even these pointers speak of a clear declaration of guilt that Government of India cannot deny. The Minister may use euphemistic self-praise of reducing atrocities but misses the point that atrocities are committed by them in the first place despite that have a semblance to the pageantry of photographic crowds. Thanks to the media who exposed him recently.

Fozia Nazir Lone
Doctoral Candidate
University of Aberdeen
f.lone@abdn.ac.uk

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