'Distortions sometimes in reporting armed conflicts'

Chandigarh, Oct 17: Haryana governor A R Kidwai today praised the Indian press for its objectivity and impartiality but also pointed out that in reporting armed conflicts there were sometimes distortions.

Inaugurating a workshop on 'International Humanitarian Law and Conflict Reporting' organised by the Press Institute of India and International Council of Red Cross (ICRC) here, he observed ''Armed forces exceed their powers and commit genocide and torture the people which is not permissible under any law.'' He lauded the courage of media persons while reporting in difficult circumstances and pleaded for their safety as sometimes even armed forces try to harm them for not toeing their line of action.

Dr Kidwai said if press was not given adequate facilities it could not do justice to its profession He asked the media persons to keep the people informed about the factual position of the happenings in the public interest and called upon the media to raise vital issues that could create public debate and benefit humanity.

''The survival of democracy greatly depends on the vigilant eyes of the press. It plays dual role of propagating the policies and programmes of the government and keeping it informed about the difficulties of the people at large.'' He said the role of press had become more important in ensuring that the countries equipped with weapons of mass destruction, torture, chemical and biological warfare did not use them as it would affect the whole humanity.

''It is important to report today as to what is happening in Iraq and Bosnia. It is the responsibility of the press to give correct picture of the events there so that harassment and torture of people could be curbed,'' he added.

Dr Kidwai appreciated the role of ICRC in saving the lives of persons injured during wars and conflicts and providing relief to them. The ICRC, he said, should also work to check the excesses committed by the conflicting countries and ensure that these did not exceed or violate the law.

Press Institute of India Director Arun Chacko, ICRC representative Nicod and former Advocate General of Punjab Gopal Krishan Chatrath also spoke on the occasion.

UNI