Show restraint when covering Cauvery row: Centre to media

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday asked the media to show “restraint” while reporting on the outbreak of violence in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery river

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday asked the media to show “restraint” while reporting on the outbreak of violence in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery river water sharing.

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In a statement, union information and broadcasting minister, M Venkaiah Naidu asked the media to exercise restraint while reporting on the incidents in both states and “play a constructive role” in ensuring peace and normalcy.

The minister cautioned that highlighting incidents of violence “visually and otherwise might incite further violence”.

Referring to the incidents of arson and vandalism that have been reported from both the states, the minister said such violence cannot be justified on any ground.

“The violence in the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in the wake of the direction of the Supreme Court to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu is quite disturbing,” Naidu said, adding destruction of property impacts the life of common man.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the situation as “distressful” and said breaking the law is not a viable alternative.

Both states have been on the boil after Karnataka was asked to share Cauvery river water with Tamil Nadu by the Supreme Court.