‘ All Indian journos not to blame for coverage’

Social networking sites have been filled with #GoBackIndianMedi a posts. Some senior journalists think that if some wrong reportage has taken place then it shouldn’t be generalised for all the Indian media houses.

The ongoing controversy about Indian reporting on the Nepal earthquake shouldn’t come between the cordial relationship shared by both the countries, many Nepali citizens and senior journalists say.

“Some of Indian journalists did go overboard while covering the disaster in Nepal, but it doesn’t mean that every media house is like that. Journalists should be more sensitive while covering such incidents, but whatever is going on in the social networking sites is uncalled for,” said Prateek Pradhan, former chief editor of the Kathmandu Post. who currently works as editorin- chief of a leading Nepali language national daily.

Twitter and other social networking sites have been filled with #GoBackIndianMedia posts in criticism of some reports from Indian TV channels on the Nepal earthquake. The view of Nepalis is divided on the issue as some think that the Indian media coverage was inaccurate and insensitive while others think that mistakes did take place, but few Nepalis are overreacting on social media.

“Social networking sites like Twitter have been extensively used by the younger generation which is a bit short tampered and cynical at times. The issue of insensitive reporting is valid, but such a campaign online is not required when we have bigger issues to deal with,” said Mr Pradhan.

“If some of the Indian news channels have made a mistake of showing inaccurate news then the Nepali people have also behaved irresponsibly,” added Mr Pradhan.

Some senior journalists also think that if some wrong reportage has taken place then it shouldn’t be generalised for all the Indian media houses. “The outrage on social media is a personal opinion of individuals and it has nothing to do with the mainstream media of Nepal. There are some Indian journalists who were overenthusiastic but we can’t say that the whole Indian media is wrong. But I do believe that there should be limits for the media while covering such sensitive events,” said Yubaraj Ghimire, editor Annapurna Post.