Several important issues of Armed Conflict Reporting and International Humanitarian Law were discussed during a day-long media workshop on the subject at the National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA) here today.
The workshop organised by NLUJA and Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was aimed at providing vital information on the issue to the working journalists of the North East region.
Over 50 working journalist from different parts of Assam and Manipur participated in the workshop where ICRC Communication Coordinator Marek Resich explained the mandate and mission before the participants and narrated the International body's role during conflict situation around the world.
ICRC Communication and Political adviser Surinder Singh Oberoi said safety should be priority for the journalists while covering conflict situations.
"My suggestion to the journalists who cover the conflict zones should give priority to their safety. If you take risk and lose your life, there is no use. India being one of the most dangerous places for journalists one has to be extremely careful," cautioned Oberoi.
NLUJA Vice Chancellor Gurjeet Singh highlighted the importance of International Humanitarian Law and role of media in changing the fate of society.
Besides Additional Director General of Police of Assam Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, ICRC deputy head Regional Delegation for South Asia Benjamin Warhren, Chairperson of Indian Red Cross (Assam branch) Renuka Devi Barkataki, senior journalist D N Chakraborty were also present on the occasion among others.
Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, who attended the workshop as Chief Guest, was critical of the sensational ways adopted by local television channels to create confusion among the viewers.
"Media has been playing a tremendous role in highlighting the issues of our society but on some occasions media, especially television, seems to be doing unnecessary things by creating sensations," Mahanta said.
He also said that the state authority should provide information to the journalists for balancing news reports.
