New Delhi: People following a certain political ideology while posing themselves as journalists, they perhaps forget that how patient and tolerant they ought to be even in the face of criticism or uncomfortable questions.
Meet this gentleman – who claims to be a journalist – called a Muslim woman an ISI agent without any hesitation just because she posted an uncomfortable observation.
The woman in question – Lubna Usman Rifat – spotted a hoarding of “Brea’KING’ Mishra” somewhere in Lucknow and tweeted it with a caption: “Guess dis what’s wrong with brea’KING’ reporters nowadays..manufacture news first then report it…appreciate the honesty! (sic)”
Guess dis what's wrong with brea'KING' reporters nowadays.. manufacture news first then report it…appreciate the honesty!? #Lucknow diary pic.twitter.com/G2jNX15T9N
— Lubna U Rifat (@lubnaurifat) February 19, 2017
Brajesh Mishra, who identifies himself as “Brea’KING’ Mishra”, took no time to tweet back and declare Lubna – clinical psychologist and co-founder of Janta Ka Reporter – as ISI agent.
In response to the tweet, the ‘journalist’ wrote back, “Hello Mrs @lubnaurifat I really don’t require certificate of journalism from ISI agents (sic).”
Hello Mrs @lubnaurifat I really don't require certificate of journalism from ISI agents https://t.co/1VsGVjnrcB
— Brajesh Misra (@brajeshlive) February 19, 2017
Based on the contents of the hoarding – which say, “Brea’King’ Mishra jahan, khabar wahan (News is where “Brea’King’ Mishra” is),” Lubna was trying to say that instead of chasing leads for news breaks, journalists these days expect stories to come to them. That’s what the hoarding, advertising a local news channel called ‘National Voice’, suggests.
A journalist is not expected to jump on a conclusion or pass a judgement. Mishra’s comments evoked angry reactions on social media with many users reminding him how he lacked even the basic ethics of journalism.
“What made him feel that I am an ISI agent without bothering to check my credentials? My Muslim identity?” asks Lubna.
Misra’s reaction on Twitter shows his biases against Muslims and influence of Islamophobia on him. Ironically, the man operates from Lucknow, which is known for civilised bahaviour and its rich culture.
Mishra’s Twitter profile suggests that he heads the news channel – National Voice. He was previously associated with ETV. He left the job and reportedly tried to launch his own news channel – UPTV – but could not get success as he failed to get licence. He finally launched the National Voice just before the assembly elections.
Lucknow media circle is abuzz with reports that the man posing as journalist once functioned as a middleman for a minister in getting government tenders approved.