The visual narrative of Kashmir: Analysing conflict through social identity theory

This study examines visual framing of the Kashmir conflict after the revocation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019 that removed the autonomous status of Indian-occupied Kashmir. The study presents a quantitative content analysis of 5118 visuals from Associated Press (AP), Agence France-Presse (AFP), Reuters and newspapers from India and Pakistan. Consistent with the social identity theory (SIT) we found a difference in the visuals used by news sources. Indian newspapers framed the issue positively, emphasizing its legality, and ideological relevance, while downplaying the humanitarian crisis. The visual framing by AP, AFP and Reuters was critical in terms of the humanitarian crisis, global protests and economic slowdown in Kashmir. The findings align with theoretical assumptions of SIT and highlight the role visuals play in shaping public opinion of a geopolitical crisis.