The award comes in recognition of Zubair’s instrumental role in debunking misinformation surrounding a viral video falsely claiming attacks on migrant workers in Tamil Nadu.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The Tamil Nadu government on Friday bestowed the prestigious Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award for the year 2024 on Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt News.
The award was given to Zubair for “his dedication to fostering communal harmony through accurate reporting,” a citation read.
The award comes in recognition of Zubair’s instrumental role in debunking misinformation surrounding a viral video falsely claiming attacks on migrant workers in Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin presented Zubair with the award during the Republic Day celebration in Chennai on Friday. The honour includes a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a medal, and a certificate.
A press release highlighted Zubair’s pivotal role in preventing potential violence fueled by fake news. In March 2023, rumours circulated on social media alleging attacks on migrant workers in Tamil Nadu. Zubair’s fact-checking on Alt News revealed that the video in question was not from Tamil Nadu, effectively quelling the spread of unfounded claims against the state and averting potential violence based on caste, religion, race, and language.
“Thus, he stopped the spread of rumours against Tamil Nadu and acted to prevent violence caused by caste, religion, race, and language,” the state, government said in the citation.
“In appreciation of the services rendered by him in maintenance of communal harmony, Thiru Mohammed Zubair is presented with the Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award for the year 2024.”
The Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award is an annual recognition presented to individuals from Tamil Nadu who have made outstanding contributions to promoting communal harmony.
Zubair, who hails from Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu, has faced challenges in his pursuit of truth. The release mentioned that he has been a target of political backlash, notably from the BJP.
Despite facing arrests and cases, Zubair has remained steadfast in his “commitment to upholding journalistic integrity,” the citation added.
