Chairman of the Press Council of India Justice (retd.) Markandey Katju said here on Monday that he had written to all the members of the Council seeking suggestions on guidelines for journalists so that their safety may be ensured in a situation of conflict.
“I have written to all the members of the Press Council for their suggestions; once I hear from them, I shall reply to Omar Abdullah's letter,” he said.
Letter to Omar
Justice Katju wrote to the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister following an incident in Srinagar in which some journalists were allegedly beaten up by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force. The scribes were covering a demonstration in which some youths pelted stones at security forces.
Mr. Abdullah responded to Justice Katju's letter, stating that unlike a lot of other countries, there is no code of conduct for the media while covering such situations.
Cites another incident
He cited an incident when an association of photographers had gone on strike. It was lifted after the police suggested that journalists wear a suitable jacket or bib in a bright colour with Press prominently displayed on it.