Russia distances itself from controversial documentary on Kashmir

    Russia has distanced itself from a report on Kashmir to be aired by a Russian digital outlet Redfish, titled ‘Kashmir: Palestine in the Making’, and said that the views expressed there do not reflect that of Moscow. In a statement, the Russian embassy in India has said that it has noted the preparations of the Redfish channel to air its report on the situation in Kashmir. “Two points need to be emphasized. First: the misleading label of this channel in Twitter as “Russia state-affiliated media” does not make it automatically related to any state support. “The channel functions independently with regard to its editorial policy. However, it is hoped that the complexity and historical background of this and other regional issues will be given due understanding and balanced approach, which is expected from any professional media.” “Second: the Russian official position on the issue of Kashmir and Russia’s principled stance on non-interference in bilateral disputes remain unchanged. The solution should be found between India and Pakistan only, and it should be based on the achieved agreements, including the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999,” the statement said. On February 4,

Redfish Media shared on social media a trailer of its upcoming documentary on Jammu and Kashmir, and said it will be aired on February 11. Redfish tweeted “Indian Kashmir is fast becoming a settler-colonial state. While Indian politicians call for ‘the Israeli model’ in Kashmir, we spoke to separated families, evicted shepherds and victims of militarization. Tune in on February 11 at 17:00 CET for ‘Kashmir: Palestine in the Making’.” Following a backlash on social media, Redfish tweeted on Saturday, “In response to the unwarranted controversy over our Kashmir documentary trailer: We assure our community that the full documentary is balanced and includes the perspectives of all stakeholders, including the BJP in Jammu Kashmir and Kashmiri activists.” Redfish claimed it was granted “exclusive access to parts of Kashmir normally out of bounds to foreign journalists” in 2021. Redfish describes itself as a community-based and grassroots media group.                                                                                  (Subhash C Vatsain-Editor)