Media must refrain from glorifying naxalites: Minister

Jashpur,Chattisgarh, Apr 10 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Home minister Ram Vichar Netam today advised the media to refrain from 'glorifying' the Naxalites.

''Naxalites are not doing any social service. They have no policy or ideology,'' he told UNI while reacting to reports about Communist Party of India (Maoist) holding a 'press meet' somewhere in the Daula forest in Abujhmarh region.

Expressing concern over electronic and print media giving coverage to the naxalites, Mr Netam said ''I don't understand why the media is glorifying such anti-national activities''.

''Chhattisgarh has got a responsible media. But some journalists are frequently visiting the naxalite hideouts in the remote areas to glorify them. This is very unfortunate,'' the minister said.

Appealing to the media to exercise self-restraint, Mr Netam said such activities would only help boost the morale of the extremists.

Asked whether the government was contemplating to take cognizance of journalists visiting Maoist hideouts as per the provisions in the new Chhattisgarh Special People's Security Act, the minister quipped ''At present, we are leaving the matter to the conscience of the media. Let the media themselves take a decision on it''.

The issue of media visit to Maoist hideout also figured during the press conference of BJP president Rajnath Singh, who is here in connection with his 'Bharat Suraksha Yatra'. ''I am not in a position to comment as I am not aware about the details,'' he said.

UNI AS/JJ SP PA RS1406