Fight of survival in conflict zone

UDAY MAHURKAR, Senior Journalist, Political Analyst: It is the responsibility of a journalist to state or write facts. I strongly believe that if Godhra train burning was recognised as an attack rather than accident, there wouldn’t have been huge loss of lives.

VINOD AGNIHOTRI, Senior Journalist, Consulting Editor, Amar Ujala: Conflict journalism is adventurous at the same time difficult. During such conflicts, the journalist has no safe side – neither the government supports nor the people who are involved in the conflict. Journalists have to find a safe place on their own. In a conflict situation, the journalist goes out to cover it despite fear to his or her life. The best way to find stories in such situation is to conduct an investigation on your own and find stories. You cannot depend on official statements to report on a conflict zone.

PRASAD KATHE, Executive Editor, Zee 24 Taas: While reporting conflicts, facts are needed. In most cases, there are no follow-ups post conflict, but follow-ups are necessary. One should not forget wrong reporting can affect outlook. DEEPIKA BHAN, Senior News Television Journalist, Delhi and Kashmir: The biggest challenge while reporting from a conflict zone, which can also be your home, is that you need to keep a check on your emotions. At times, you might feel that you have reported one sided, or at times you feel that nationalism needs to be factored in as you report.

MAMATA MISHRA, Senior Staff Reporter, The Assam Tribune: Reporting from a conflict zone is a great opportunity that is available to a journalist. But with this great opportunity comes great responsibility. In such situations, the journalist walks through a tightrope. NILESH KHARE, Editor, Saam TV: We have to be cautious in our reports. We need to report conflicts and not giving birth to controversy. So, while reporting stick to facts.