The Other Discourse! Divisive News Framing of the 2021 Assam Land Eviction Conflict
摘要
This chapter critically analyses the online news discourse on ethnic conflicts over land in Assam, particularly focusing on media narratives published during the eviction drive of 2021–22. Using Frame analysis, this chapter flags the way divisive and otherisation of the marginalised landless dwellers of Char areas was enacted by engaging in hyperdetailing and elitism to further blame the evictees for the conflict and its repercussions. In this process this chapter foregrounds the recurrent use of legal/illegal settler identity, land-deprived “us”/land-grabber “them” narrative in the larger otherisation and divisive frame present in the conflict journalism approach followed by mainstream newspapers during their coverage of this incident. Examining the representation of minorities and critically evaluating the media’s role in reporting conflicts, this chapter discusses the influence of these frames on public opinion and policy decisions, enhancing perception of how media narratives shape sociopolitical dynamics.