Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010355711000.htm

National

Let security forces do their work, Antony cautions media

Special Correspondent

A.K. Antony

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Friday urged the media to be a “little careful” while reporting incidents such as the Mumbai terrorist strikes and to cover events without endangering national security.

“Security forces must be allowed to work, without any pressure … and endangering national security. Media has to be a little careful,” he said releasing a Coffee Table Book “Soldiering On” to commemorate the centenary of the official journal of the Indian Armed Forces, “Sainik Samachar.”

The Minister asked the journal to stop being just a chronicler of events and be more reflective of the hopes and aspirations of jawans. The fortnightly should also maintain its website in all languages recognised by the Constitution and constantly update its contents.

Marshal Arjan Singh narrated his association with the journal since 1940, when joined the Air Force as pilot officer. Walking ramrod straight, Marshal Arjan Singh, who turns 90 this April, said he continued to get information about happenings in the defence forces through this publication. The Chief of the Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor; the Chief of the Air Staff, Fali Homi Major; the Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral R.P. Suthan; and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh shared the dais with the dignitaries.