Treat media criticism seriously: Antony

Pathanamthitta, May 28 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today said those in power should treat criticism by the media seriously.

Inaugurating the Pathanamthitta unit of 'Malayala Manorama' daily here, he described media as a mirror, reflecting the aspirations of the people at large.

Mr Antony opined newspapers should never indulge in sycophancy.

They were duty-bound to ring the alarm-bells when democratic system faced danger, he said.

He called upon political parties to unite on developmental issues. for the state's progress.

''It had become common that the government in the state changed every five years. But the need of the hour was to evolve a constant development policy as a diverse development agenda would affect the state adversely,'' he added.

The Defence Minister said the 'God's own country' had transformed itself into a state, ''riddled with meaningless allegations and counter-allegations.'' Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, in his presidential address, said the co-ordination committee formed to iron out the differences between the police and the press would be reconstituted soon.

At present, the committee remained inactive and ineffective. It was also decided to give shape to such co-ordination committtees at district-level.

The policy of the government focussed on cordial relationship between the law-enforcing agency and the fourth-estate, said the State Minister.

UNI