Cooking the News.....

I am surprised at the report that a group of journalist instigated some street vendors to consume poison.
The purpose: To cover a sensitive story on the agitation of street vendors as they were served orders by authorities for eviction.

The police version of the story goes on like this:- Two reporters of IBN7 and star news approached some agitating street vendors and supplied them with a white tablet.Reporters told the protesters to threaten the police of Suicide and then consume it. the reporters assured them all that the tablet will make them unconscious for four to five hours and they will be alright after that.every thing went according to plan but some of the vendors become critical on consuming it and five of them died at a hospital.

The reporters are denying the police version but some thing appears fishy in the whole incident. The nature in which modern news channels are competing and the importance they provide to silly and petty issues is too disturbing. From sting operations to 'cooked news' , every thing appears to call their attention.It seems that these 'yellow channels' select news no on the merit of national importance but on its ability to improve its viewership ratings. These channels defy very essence of news reporting. It was once considered as a daring and challenging profession, but today its every ones pie.

Its Quoted that " when every one runs out of a burning house, the one who is running to it is a journalist".Today journalist run along with the running and rioting mob encouraging them to indulge in more 'action' promising them of good coverage. They burn house and then run towards it.

Recently Advani Commented that some anchors in certain T.V channels are so selected that they look like Criminals.Advani said this keeping in mind that the anchors of certain programmes in Star News and IBN7. IBN7 editor in chief, Raj deep had a hard time in justifying his channel.But no matter what ever be the justification, airing private or domestic quarrel and other such rubbishes cannot be counted as News.

Lighter side..

I hope I remember it correctly. I read it some time back in News magazine. It wasn't aimed at insulting any ones sentiment but just to relax the screwed minds... just to help them break in to laughter... and possibly hug each other in compliment.....I gather my memory fragments to gather here just to recreate something of that sort...

President Bush Junior visited Pakistan some time back. Pakistan is a leading partner and trusted ally of the U.S in the war against terror.Bush was in Islamabad to congratulate his ally for his braveness in joining the axis. Musharraf took bush for a ride on the streets of Islamabad in his brand new Limousine. But all along the path there was not even a single sight that rose interest in president Bush.Not only that, the visiting president was annoyed by the fact that the people of Islamabad misused the pavements and riverfronts. President bush pointed out at one such man and said " er Musharraf, it seems Pakistanis don't use public toilets. they prefer open places to those stinging public toilets. isn't it president?" Mush Explained the situation to pacify Bush, but mush has certainly felt insulted. He waited for an opportunity to revenge.

On His visit to Washington, Mush made it sure to retaliate for the insult meted out at his in his home country. He requested bush for courtesy ride and Mush happily Obliged.As they were moving through the streets of Washington mush was eagerly waiting for an opportunity ....... and suddenly he noticed a man standing beside the Pakistan embassy compound wall and "pissing".

Mush jumped in delight and said" look Mr president, here is a man and he definitely does not match the reputation of your country, er its a shame!!'.Bush got annoyed and ordered his security to gun down the man.

The next day the leading news papers in Washington carried a story. The headlines read" Pak Ambassador shot dead outside the consulate".

Justice abroad

It was hard time for Dr Haneef and his family for last one month. His story is more on the emotional side as he had to plead for the mercy of authority to see his new born child. He was detained on charges which appeared to be fragile and the federal authorities in Australia were fighting a lone loosing battle. The whole story though ended in a good note, it exposed the anti humanitarian aspect and the sweeping powers given to executive by the anti terror laws passed world over by different governments.

Be it the present laws in U.S or Australia, unlawful detention of suspects with out proper evidence is an act of human right violations. Australia was quick in correcting their mistake and deserve special praise. The matter would have been different if it would have happened anywhere else in the world. In India, under such anti-terrorist laws, individuals are held in custody and are meted with harsh treatments. May it be for good or bad the misuse of such laws are raising concerns among human right activist and civil liberties group.

when every one expect strong actions be taken against terrorist and their networks, innocent individual should not be trapped in such laws for no mistakes of there own. An apology from the part of the authorities can save the governments and can prevent further damage to their image,but immediate actions should be taken to restore the dignity and pride of the individual.

Dr Haneef can thank God for being detained in Australia. They provided him with facilities such as television, Gym, magazines and medical attention on demand.Had it happened on India, the situation would have been entirely different.In India, He had to endure the unhygienic circumstances of Thihar Jail. Remember what happened to biscuit king Rajan Pillai. He died in jail as he was not provided medical help. the reason- He didn't pay bribe to jail authorities.