Date:28/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/28/stories/2008082860471200.htm

National

Editors Guild condemns excesses in J&K

Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI: The Editors Guild of India on Wednesday expressed distress at the excesses committed on journalists in Jammu and Kashmir and the communalisation of journalism in the State during the current political crisis. Referring to the enormous pressure being mounted on journalists from various quarters, the Guild urged the government and civil society to ensure that no journalist is intimidated and all publications can function properly.

In a statement, the Guild condemned the restrictions being imposed on the distribution and despatch of newspapers and magazines in the State, including suspension of courier services. Further, it warned that in the absence of fair news and diverse comments from the media, rumour, gossip and innuendo would take over.

At the same time, the Guild voiced concern over the manner in which some newspapers in the State had become partisan. Moreover, they were encouraging communal hatred through biased and inflammatory reports and opinion pieces.

Fairness in reporting

Referring to the ‘Code of Practice for Journalists’ issued by the Guild, its president Alok Mehta said newspapers should exercise balance and fairness in reporting any event.

Urging editors and journalists in the State to observe the Code, the Guild reiterated the need for editors and journalists to resist attempts to make them carriers of hatred, venom, misinformation and rumours.