Media and Counter-terrorism: The Indian Experience

Linked to the terrorist goal of intimidation of a targeted population, there is an inherent objective to spread fear and undermine the declared values of the targeted political system by pushing a frightened society and government into overreaction. On the other hand, the counter-insurgent state wishes to downplay the impact of the terrorist attack and works towards keeping the morale of the population as well as the security forces intact. In this battle, the media plays an important and influential role. Expected to maintain objectivity, the media, however, is often blamed for misplacing its priorities in the trade-off between civil rights and civil liberties and national security.