HYDERABAD: Curbs are likely on journalists in the State in respect of coverage of naxalite activity in the light of the recently imposed ban on CPI (Maoist) and their frontal organisations.

They face the risk of being charged under the Andhra Pradesh Public Security Act for interviewing naxalite leaders anywhere -- be it their forest sanctuaries or city hideouts.

This, the Government hopes, will deter scribes from continuing the practice of going to forests, on their own or on an invitation, for meeting naxalite leaders and from writing news reports and articles based on the views expressed by them on different issues.

Threat to youth

The cumulative effect of such reports and articles, according to the Government, is that naxalite leaders are glorified. The danger is that youth try to emulate the naxalites.

An exercise is on by the police at the instance of the Government to work out guidelines for journalists and fix a Lakshmana Rekha for them, especially during the coverage of naxalite leaders. Top sources in the government said that a study is being done by the police as part of this to identify the rights of journalists under different laws, including the latest Right to Information Act, and their responsibilities.

Details of scribes who are regularly covering naxalite activity in the State, are being reportedly collected by the Intelligence wing of the police for "internal use." Home Minister K. Jana Reddy when contacted after a review meeting with senior police officials, denied that such a list was being prepared.

Coordinated approach

For the time being, the ban may be restricted to seven front organisations of naxalites as already announced. The spokesman said there is no plan to ban Jana Natya Mandali with which Gadar is associated. But over a period of time, there may be additions or deletions to the list depending on the situation.

Steps have also been taken to coordinate anti-naxalite operations with neighbouring Karnataka and Orissa where the Maoists are taking refuge after committing crimes in Andhra Pradesh.

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