In a major development, influencer Tanya Mittal has once again made headlines because of her recent comment about terrorism. The statement, in which she stated, “Terrorism has no religion,” has sparked widespread controversy.
The influencer got the attention through online platforms like Instagram and YouTube. These statements were passed by her after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Her statements have spread across social media like wildfire and have met with significant backlash on social media.
Why has the statement turned into a backlash?
Many termed the comment as ‘inappropriate,’ as the recent Pahalgam attack was deadly and claimed the lives of around 26 individuals, including some foreigners. Some people have also blamed her for not understanding the severity of the situation.
MP Tourism Department distanced itself from Tanya Mittal -
Shortly after such a comment by the influencer, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department distanced itself from her and formally clarified that they are not associated with her. The department mentioned that they have never been linked with them. The official message by the department read, “Please note that Ms. Tanya Mittal is not associated with MP Tourism in any capacity.”
This clarification followed that some media reports and social media accounts confused her with being employed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, for which the official statement had to set the record straight.
The Backlash and the Department's Clarification
The protests against Mittal's remark picked up steam as the controversy spread across social media platforms. She was lambasted as her remark came at a time when India was still struggling against terrorism and the impact that it has on security as well as the nation's mentality.
To counter the increasing outrage, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department made a categorical statement to dissociate itself from Mittal. The influencer's social media presence, while robust, cannot be compared to the department's public perception or statement. This is an effort to safeguard the department's reputation and dissociate itself from a controversial personality.
Terrorism and Social Media: The Delicate Balance
Mittal's comment on terrorism is in line with a growing controversy over the influence of influencers in shaping public opinion. Influencers can reach millions, but so does their influence, which brings responsibility. In the case of Tanya Mittal, her comment on terrorism was read as an attempt to diffuse tensions but has ultimately watered down the complexities of international terrorism, especially in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions. In this regard, the Madhya Pradesh Police have also taken strong action against individuals who have made inflammatory or objectionable comments on the internet regarding the Pahalgam attack. Two individuals were recently arrested in Damoh for making objectionable posts on the attack. The move is indicative of the manner in which India is increasingly putting online material on sensitive national issues under scrutiny.