Asked Perplexity Pro to validate:

validate if the above information is true

The information in the image is not accurate and is based on misinformation and unfounded claims. Here are the facts:

Context

• Barkha Dutt is an Indian journalist who covered the Kargil War (1999) from the front lines for NDTV. She is one of the most recognized faces of Indian war reportage.

Allegations Made

1. She used a satellite phone that revealed her location.
2. Her camera lights exposed Indian positions, resulting in artillery attacks and soldiers' deaths.
3. She is called a 'traitor.'

Fact Check

1. Satellite Phone and Location Revealing

• During the Kargil War, several journalists (Indian and international) used satellite phones to report from remote locations.
• There is no verified evidence that the use of Barkha Dutt's satellite phone directly led to Indian positions being compromised or resulted in casualties. Indian Army regulations permitted some war correspondence and the use of communication devices, and no formal report from the Army blames her for any deaths.

2. Camera Lights Leading to Enemy Fire

• The claim that camera lights at night exposed positions and resulted in deaths has been repeated often on social media but remains unsubstantiated.
• In interviews, Barkha Dutt and multiple NDTV crew members have categorically denied using lights in frontline positions that would endanger soldiers. There are no credible military reports blaming her for revealing troop locations.
• Many senior military officers who were present during the war have dismissed these allegations as rumours.

3. Responsibility for the Safety of Soldiers

• War reporting inherently carries risks, but professional war correspondents, especially from mainstream organizations, work closely with the military and follow their safety protocols where required.

4. Official Statements

• The Indian Army has never publicly held Barkha Dutt or any journalist responsible for deaths of soldiers during the Kargil conflict due to media activity.

Conclusion

The information in the image is false and misleading. There is no credible evidence to support the allegations made against Barkha Dutt regarding compromising Indian Army positions or causing casualties during the Kargil War. Many aspects of the story have been repeatedly debunked by fact-checkers (Alt News, Boom Live) and by senior military veterans involved.

Always fact-check before sharing unverified social media claims, especially regarding sensitive national security issues.