Flag march in Ayodhya ahead of Babri judgment

NBA issues guidelines to broadcasters

The security personnel comprising the Central forces, state police, Provincial Armed Constabulary and mounted police with all equipment and weaponry marched on the streets of Ayodhya.

The temple-mosque ownership judgment has been slated to be pronounced by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday next.
The flag march was also held in parts of Faizabad district under which Ayodhya falls, police sources here said.

Faizabad police chief R K S Rathaur said the objective behind holding the flag march was to give a warning to antisocial elements and instill confidence in the common people. He said security in and around the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid complex had already been beefed up with the deployment of additional security personnel.
Ayodhya and Faizabad had witnessed large-scale communal violence after the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992.

Meanwhile, the News Broadcasters Association has set guidelines for the electronic media asking them not to speculate about the judgment and not to show the footage of 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.

The guidelines say the Ayodhya issue is a matter in which “extra care” is necessary to ensure that the telecast of any news relating to it should not be sensational, provocative or inflammatory.

“The basic guideline to be adhered to is that all such news should conform strictly to sub-serving the public interest of maintaining communal harmony and preservation of the secular ethos of our plural society and it should influence the formation of the correct public opinion,” the guidelines said.

It said no broadcast should be made of any speculation of the judgment before it is pronounced and of its likely consequence thereafter which may be sensational, inflammatory or provocative.

“No footage of the demolition of the Babri Masjid is to be shown in any news item relating to the judgment,” it said, adding no visuals need be shown depicting celebration or protest of the judgment.

The NBA guidelines said in view of the “ultra sensitive nature” of the Ayodhya issue, the reporting of the judgment in this case requires adherence to the code of ethics and certain specific guidelines issued from time to time.
“In view of the sensitivity of news reporting on this issue extra care should be taken to ensure accuracy by vetting and clearance at the highest editorial level,” it said. The NBA said it expects strict adherence to these guidelines to avoid any violation which may attract strict action.
DHNS & Agencies