National Conference spokesperson causes stir with photo 'diktat'

SRINAGAR: A National Conference spokesperson caused a stir Friday after asking media houses to use her social media profile picture for quotes and interviews. Ifra Jan also warned of legal action if her "direction" was not followed.

Ifra, who belongs to Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah 's party, said a media house used a distorted picture of her while reporting a news story.

"I request the media houses to use this photo while doing my stories, not distorted pictures of when I am in the middle of an interview. If the direction is not followed, I will proceed against the said channels legally," Ifra said.

Politics is a difficult field for women. I knew this when I joined. But I hadn't imagined to what extent people can fall to pull you down. One thing I have faced over the months are distorted pictures of me being used while reporting news. Is it ethical? https://t.co/6zGBdMhMGw

— Ifra Jan (@IfraJan_) August 22, 2025

As she faced flak over her 'diktat', she posted on social media, "Politics is a difficult field for women and I knew this when I joined. But I hadn't imagined to what extent people can fall to pull you down. One thing I have faced over the months are distorted pictures of me being used while reporting news. Is it ethical?"

She also alleged it was a tactic employed by rightwing websites across India to use "expressive images" of their opponents to undermine their credibility.

"This is why I was forced to step in and say that if you can't find a picture of me, use my profile picture. Unfortunately, it should have never come to it, but how else does one deal with a complete lack of ethics in media houses," she added.