The Hindu : DGP urges media to show restraint

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 17, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

DGP urges media to show restraint

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, MARCH 16. Taking a cue from the Election Commission's observation that threats held out by the People's War (PW) should not be reported in the media, the State Director-General of Police, S.R. Sukumara, has appealed to media to exercise restraint in reporting naxalite statements and reminded that any such reportage could attract prosecution under relevant sections of law.

At a press conference convened to detail security arrangements during the elections, Mr. Sukumara said reporting of threats was a specified offence under the Representation of People Act, the Indian Penal Code and other special laws. "Our intention is not to precipitate action against reporters, but I would like to request you to exercise restraint," Mr. Sukumara said while fielding a volley of questions.

He did not agree with questioners that such a caution could be misconstrued by his subordinates, but said every effort would be made to ensure that his caution was not `misused' by field-level police officers. As reporters engaged themselves in an animated discussion with the DGP over the possibility of police using their chief's caution to harass reporters at the mandal level, Mr. Sukumara announced that even if action was to be initiated against a reporter, it would be done only by an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police. "Even the SP would have to take clearance from us," he said, seeking to allay the apprehensions of mediapersons.

When it was pointed out that any writing on naxalite activity could be construed as an offence under the A.P. Public Security Act or the POTA, Mr. Sukumara argued that it could be easily decided as to what was a report intended to inform people what was against the provisions of the law. "The Election Commission had also voiced a similar opinion," he reminded the reporters. "In fact, the Commission was asking me why action was not initiated on earlier occasions. But I do not think we could fix a time limit for that. But from at least now, I request you to be cautious."

Mr. Sukumara sought to explain that when a threat was reported, it created a scare not only among targets of the PW, but also among the general public. Such reportage could also adversely affect the process of elections. He took pains to assure that the police would like to continue the `fine working relationship' it enjoyed with the media. "We would not certainly want to jeopardise this. Our intention is not to threaten reporters or to muzzle the freedom of the press. There would be adequate precautions. But you should also follow the laid down norms and procedures."

When questioned as to why the police was not initiating action against people who openly professed to follow the agenda of the People's War, while the media was being advised to observe restraint in reporting, Mr. Sukumara said he would now examine the possibility of initiating action against people who openly sided with the PW. On another question about certain movies being produced highlighting naxalism, he said he would look into the matter.

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