In Ladakh, where the local media landscape is rapidly evolving, there is a noticeable gap when it comes to investigative journalism. They often fall short when it comes to the crucial task of tracing cases of crime and corruption, following up with authorities, and maintaining the pressure needed to ensure accountability. This lack of professional investigative reporting is a missed opportunity, especially as the region navigates changes with its newly formed police force and developing governance structures.

The Rise of Local Media in Ladakh

Ladakh’s media landscape is unique. Most outlets have gained prominence by providing essential information like government updates, local news, and mainstream media reports. This has led to a large following on social media platforms. While this has filled a much-needed gap in communication and dissemination of information, it has also revealed a critical weakness—these media figures, lacking formal journalistic training, do not engage in the type of in-depth investigative work needed to hold authorities accountable.

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Simply reporting crimes without following up is insufficient in a region where systemic corruption and crime often go unnoticed or unchallenged. Authorities may act on issues temporarily while they are in the public eye, but without continued scrutiny from the media, these cases often lose momentum, and justice is delayed or denied.

Why Investigative Journalism is Crucial for Ladakh

One of the most important roles of any media outlet is to serve as a watchdog over public institutions, including the police, government officials, and judiciary. In Ladakh, with its new administrative setup as a Union Territory, the media has the potential to become a key player in shaping accountability. However, this requires more than just surface-level reporting; it necessitates persistent, in-depth investigation.

For instance, in the case of Tsering Spalzes, mother of the deceased Stanzin Pakto, an unnatural delay in investigating her son’s death is being seen as a denial of justice. Her address to the press after five or sixth months after the incident is difficult to watch, as she outlines the inconsistencies in the incident of her son’s death with a shaky voice. There is also the case of a scam reported in many departments in Zangskar which amounts to crores of rupees and came into the limelight last year. An FIR has been registered in this case. RTI activist Hassan Masha’s recent expose has once again faded from the limelight and public view, and no one knows anything about the developments regarding the allegations he raised. The long pending case of the death of a girl in Zanskar also needs speedy redressal and resolution, but so far there has been no serious development in this case.

When a crime or corruption scandal comes to light, the media’s role should extend beyond just informing the public about the event. Journalists should regularly check back with the authorities, request updates on the investigation, and challenge any discrepancies or delays. By doing so, they ensure that the authorities don’t grow complacent once the initial public interest fades. In smaller regions like Ladakh, where public institutions are still developing, this kind of pressure is crucial.

Without investigative journalism, authorities and public institutions are likely to evade accountability. Corruption may persist unnoticed, and crimes may go unresolved. 

This creates an environment where people lose faith in the system, feeling that justice is not being served.

Why is there a gap?

The lack of investigative reporting in Ladakh can be attributed to the fact that most of the local media professionals are self-taught and have not undergone formal journalistic training. Furthermore, the media’s dependence on government advertisements for revenue and occasional organization of workshops on journalistic techniques by the local administrations can create a conflict of interest, where pushing too hard against the establishment may risk their funding or access to information and such developmental activities.

Another challenge is the lack of resources. Investigative journalism requires time, effort, and funding. In regions like Ladakh, where news outlets are often small and underfunded, reporters often do not have the resources to conduct long-term investigations. As a result, they focus on quick, surface-level reporting that doesn’t challenge the status quo.

Building a Culture of Investigative Journalism

Foremost, local journalists need access to formal training in investigative techniques. Workshops, collaborations with larger media outlets, or partnerships with investigative journalists from other regions could provide the necessary skills and knowledge. Media outlets should encourage reporters to follow up on stories over time. This means not just reporting a crime once but regularly checking in with authorities and continuing to ask questions until the case is fully resolved.

The public must understand the value of independent, investigative journalism. Support from the community, in the form of financial backing, engagement, and recognition, can empower media outlets to push for accountability without fear of reprisal from the authorities. Using social media platforms to share critical stories reported by the media is essential.

Ladakh’s media landscape has made great strides in terms of information dissemination, but without a robust approach to investigative journalism, its potential remains underutilized. As the region undergoes political and social transformation, the media must step up to take on a more active role in tracing crimes and corruption cases. Through persistent reporting, collaboration, and a focus on training, Ladakh’s media can evolve into a powerful force that ensures justice is not only served but seen to be served.

This change will not only benefit the media itself but also strengthen the region’s democratic fabric, giving voice to the voiceless and ensuring that public institutions remain transparent and accountable.