Pakistani Youtuber Irfan Junejo came under fire last year for staying silent on the brutalities being carried out in Kashmir.
In a video he released on his channel “Dekho Mera Activism“, the YouTuber explained why he refused to be pressured into creating political videos since as he said, they do nothing to change anyone’s mind.
Well, now it appears that Junejo seems to have forgotten – or rethink – his earlier apolitical stance. Following the horrific murder of Hayat Baloch by a law enforcer from the FC, Irfan decided to retweet a few accounts which highlighted this grave incident.
He is now being called out for his selective activism, as people accuse him of staying silent on Kashmir while looking the other way in the current incident. His critics claim that he stayed silent on Kashmir to appease his Indian followers.
https://twitter.com/Rizwow/status/1296094652265832449?s=19
And as anyone on the Twitter-verse may be aware, Twitteratis don’t hold back on pulling their punch.
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE
IRFAN JUNEJO IS A HYPOCRITE— Talib (@Talibhoon) August 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/oo_no_jj/status/1296116869590638593?s=21
Junejo’s drawing of attention to the issue is not misplaced. Hayat Baloch, a young Baloch student was brutally murdered by a member of the Frontier Corps. The last week has seen protests across Balochistan in order to bring this issue to the forefront and demand justice. Speakers at the rallies have termed this act as one part in a long-standing Baloch genocide. The severity of the issue has also brought children out to protest. One Baloch mother said about the situation that
“If we remain silent, these bloodthirsty beasts will eat our descendants.”
Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari also took to Twitter to condemn the murder and confirm the arrest of those involved.
Hayat’s murder is not the first case of its kind in Balochistan. 3 months ago, 4-year-old Bramsh and her mother were shot in an apparent case of armed robbery, which resulted in the young girl’s death. The robbers arrested allegedly have ties with “death squads” – groups that are alleged to be associated with security forces to carry out ‘disappearances’.
Is Irfan Junejo truly non-political?
Spend enough time in social media and its more likely that people are going reveal their politics and stances in full public view. It’s simply an unavoidable risk. The same is true for Junejo or any other social media star.
Irfan Junejo didn’t limit his activism to the Hayat Baloch case. He also spoke out against fellow Youtuber Saad Ur Rehman a.k.a Ducky Bhai who was accused of inciting hate and violence over a picture of a dog wearing a Pakistani flag. Ducky’s critique of that picture led to the owner becoming victim to multiple attempts of threats and hateful messages online, to the point where she expressed fear for her safety. Ducky’s actions led to Junejo disassociating himself from Saad.
https://twitter.com/irfanjunejo/status/1295307104732012547
Despite the importance of influential personalities using their platforms to raise awareness, the Youtuber’s selective activism raises questions regarding his stance. It indicates a sense of privilege. One that lets us pick and choose our tweets and retweets from the comfort of our homes.
However, it’s important to remember that those facing injustice cannot choose their fate, and when they are not allowed to speak it is our responsibility to make their voice heard. Be it in Balochistan, Kashmir or any part of the world.
Do you think one can afford to be idealistic and principled in today’s social media age?
