Cover communal riots at your own risk, look at Daniel Pearl: Gujarat govt

‘‘There is an inherent danger to media personnel covering such incidents. They might become inadvertent victims of communal violence. The killing of Daniel Pearl in Pakistan is a perfect example,’’ the state says.

The NHRC’s report had said: ‘‘The media delegation informed the team about physical attacks on several media persons, particularly the electronic media, and damage caused to their cameras.

A specific instance of the burning of the branch office of Gujarat Today daily, run by a Muslim trust, was cited.’’ The Modi govt has justified blacking out some TV channels. ‘‘There have been reports of irresponsible coverage of the riots by a section of the media…especially the electronic media which was indirectly contributing to inflaming the communal passions. It sometimes becomes necessary for the state to intervene in the overall interest of law and order.’’

Giving a clean chit to its ministers and bureaucrats who were accused of ‘monitoring’ the violence from PCRs, the state said: ‘‘There is nothing wrong if a Minister of the state government visits the DGP’s office or the office of the Commissioner of Police for ascertaining facts as well as to ensure that timely and effective action are being taken by the admn.’’