As Pakistan claims 5 IAF jets downed, Indian media deletes truth
While Pakistan says five IAF jets shot down, Indian media retracts report even as Reuters and French intel back claim
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Less than 24 hours after India launched “Operation Sindoor,” claiming to strike nine sites inside Pakistan, the fog of war has already engulfed the media landscape.
The operation was announced as retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based groups—without presenting any evidence.
In response, Pakistan claimed on Wednesday that it had shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales.
The Indian government has not issued any official statement.
Most Indian media ignored the claim or dismissed it as Pakistani propaganda.
The Hindu, one of India’s oldest English-language newspapers, initially reported that three Indian Air Force jets had crashed in Kashmir and posted images of wreckage.
The tweet was quietly edited to remove the photos and then deleted altogether, along with a corresponding article.
Later, The Hindu issued a vague clarification, stating there was “no on-record official information” confirming the crash.
The rapid retraction fueled a backlash on social media, where users accused the paper of spreading “Pakistani propaganda” and demanded government action against it.
The outrage reflects how reporting anything outside the government narrative can invite swift consequences.
The Modi government had already laid the groundwork to suppress independent coverage.
On April 26, it issued an advisory instructing media outlets not to broadcast live footage of military operations or security force movements—effectively a blanket ban on real-time reporting during conflict.
Despite the silence in Indian media, international outlets began to corroborate Pakistan’s version.
Reuters reported that three Indian jets had crashed in Kashmir. CNN, citing a senior French intelligence official, reported that one of India’s Rafale jets was downed by Pakistan—potentially the first Rafale combat loss since the aircraft entered service.
The quick deletion of reports, combined with state-imposed restrictions, highlights the collapsing space for journalism in India during times of conflict.
Media houses are now expected to mirror state messaging or stay silent.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
