In a rare and riveting memoir titled They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict, veteran journalist Harinder Baweja recounts her experiences from over four decades of reporting across India and volatile regions beyond. Launched in Delhi on October 1, 2025, the book delves into the perilous, often morally complex world of conflict journalism. The title itself reflects the gravity and danger embedded in Baweja’s career, one where bravery often trumped fear. From Operation Blue Star in 1984 to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, her accounts span some of the most defining—and dangerous—moments in recent Indian history.
A Career Forged in Crisis
- The memoir’s launch event was marked by a nostalgic recollection from former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who described saving Baweja in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star.
- This encounter kickstarted a fearless career that would take her to Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and even to underworld hideouts in Malaysia.
- Baweja explained, “My religion is journalism. My editors sent me to difficult places, and I went because courage and luck matter when digging for facts.”
Facing Conflict Head-On: Major Assignments
Her assignments read like episodes from a thriller.
- Post-26/11 Reporting in Pakistan: Baweja traveled to Pakistan just ten days after the deadly terror attacks in Mumbai, showcasing her commitment to facts and fearless reporting.
- Interview with Chhota Rajan in Malaysia: She managed a high-risk interview with India’s most wanted underworld don, a move that required strategic planning and nerves of steel.
- Encounter with Yasin Malik in Kashmir: During the 1990s, Baweja interviewed separatist leader Yasin Malik, who turned the conversation into a personal and uncomfortable encounter, later described by her as harassment.
Why It Matters: Journalism and Democracy
- Baweja’s career offers crucial insights into the role of independent journalism in a democracy.
- Her willingness to step into zones of conflict, often risking her life, underscores the importance of ground reporting in shaping public discourse.
- Her memoir serves not just as personal history but as a reflection of the evolving landscape of Indian journalism—one that faces increasing challenges from political pressure, misinformation, and digital noise.
Reflections from the Launch Panel
- The book launch event also featured Jammu and Kashmir’s former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai.
- Their discussions highlighted the complexity of reporting in conflict zones, where journalists often walk the line between truth and national interest.
- Abdullah noted that journalists like Baweja play a pivotal role in documenting truths that others fear to tell, while Sardesai emphasized the ethical dilemmas faced in such dangerous reporting scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- Harinder Baweja has been a conflict journalist for over 40 years.
- She reported on Operation Blue Star, 26/11 attacks, and conflicts in Kashmir and Pakistan.
- Her memoir was launched on October 1, 2025 in Delhi.
- Notable personalities at the launch included Captain Amarinder Singh, Omar Abdullah, and Rajdeep Sardesai.
- The book is titled They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict.