Media Outlets Urged to Avoid Pakistani Commentators Amid Rising Tensions
Call to Exclude Pakistani Panellists from Debates
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Two prominent organizations representing news channels have requested media outlets to refrain from inviting Pakistani panellists for discussions regarding the recent Pahalgam attack. This appeal was made by the News Broadcasters and Digital Association, which represents private news broadcasters, and the News Broadcasters Federation, a self-regulatory body for media outlets.
The NBDA highlighted concerns from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the involvement of Pakistani commentators on Indian news platforms. They urged editors to avoid inviting Pakistani commentators whose views could “undermine the sovereignty, integrity, and security of the nation” during television debates.
The News Broadcasters Federation recommended that member channels apply “enhanced editorial discretion” when considering the participation of Pakistani individuals in panel discussions.
Supreme Court Requests New Forensic Analysis
The Supreme Court has requested a new forensic examination of audio clips that allegedly connect former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh to the ethnic violence in the state. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory must re-evaluate the audio files and provide a new report.
A group known as the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust has called for an independent investigation into the recordings, which reportedly feature a voice resembling Singh’s, claiming credit for “how and why the conflict started.”
In the recordings, Singh is also allegedly heard boasting about disregarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive against the use of “bombs” during the conflict and protecting individuals who seized thousands of weapons from police armories from arrest.
Supreme Court Dismisses Contempt Petition Against MP
The Supreme Court has decided not to entertain a petition seeking contempt action against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey for his remarks blaming Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna for “all civil wars” in the country. The bench, led by the Chief Justice, indicated that it would issue a brief order explaining its reasons for not proceeding with the plea.
Dubey, representing Jharkhand’s Godda, claimed on April 19 that the Supreme Court was responsible for “inciting religious wars” and suggested that the court was overstepping its boundaries. He stated, “If one has to go to the Supreme Court for everything, then Parliament and state Assembly should be shut,” as reported by a news agency.
The Supreme Court Bar Association has urged the attorney general to take contempt action against Dubey, labeling his allegations as unacceptable. A lawyer named Vishal Tiwari had filed a petition seeking action against the BJP MP.
Mamata Banerjee Addresses Violence in Murshidabad
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asserted that stability has returned to Murshidabad following the violence that erupted during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act last month. She announced plans to visit Dhuliyan town to provide compensation to those whose homes and businesses were affected by the unrest.
Three individuals lost their lives in Murshidabad after violence broke out on April 11 and 12 during protests against changes to the Waqf Act. The rioting forced many Hindus, who are a minority in the district, to flee to the neighboring Malda region.
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