December 05, 2008	Friday	Zilhaj 6, 1429

NEW DELHI, Dec 4: A week after terrorists unleashed a cold-blooded massacre of almost 200 people in Mumbai, the government on Thursday urged TV channels not to replay gory scenes from the mayhem, and a hijack alert did little to calm frayed nerves.

There has been widespread criticism of the handling of live coverage of the 60-hour-long battle between commandos and the 10-odd gunmen. Fears have been expressed that a few of the victims died because TV anchors identified their locations and the gunmen used the information to direct their fire with precision.

But the government is evidently also worried about social repercussions in a communally charged situation the attacks have created.

“Gory scenes should not be shown, tragedy should not be replayed,” said the information ministry in its advisory. “Media has a great role to play to ensure return of normalcy.”

PTI said the advice was sent to all television channels with guidelines regarding coverage of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The advisory sought an assurance that channels would avoid running stories pertaining to the recent attacks, which might make the terrorists feel that their operation was successful, PTI said.

The live coverage that began with the first assault on the night of Nov 26 saw the viewership of 24-hour news channels jump 180 per cent, according to Television Audience Measurement data for the week ended Nov 29.

Explaining the kind of coverage it wants, the ministry stated: “News coverage pertaining to the event should project that India is not demoralised and has risen despite all terrorist attacks as normalcy has been restored.

“News coverage should project that India is a global power which has full support of the international community.”

The note also mentioned that media should not promote “insecurity”.

The official note from the ministry carries a strong message for the media to adhere to self-regulation.

There is also a proposal by the Maharashtra state government to bar TV channels from live coverage of any future crisis.

Meanwhile, four of India’s major airports went on high alert on Thursday after warnings that militants may have slipped into the country to try and hijack passenger planes.

The alert followed warnings of airborne hijack attacks. The India Bureau for Civil Aviation has warned of an attempt to hijack one or more planes at Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore airports, according to reports.

The hijack alert came after a letter claimed terror groups might strike at the airports on Dec 6 and hijack a plane. The day marks the anniversary of the destruction of a mosque in Ayodhya by Hindu zealots.