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 It has been 25 years since prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on Oct 31, 1984. Events of those days are still fresh in memory. Gandhi's assassination was followed by the anti-Sikh riots. By the time calm was restored, tens of thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed.
There were no 24x7 news channels at that time and the media by and large went by the official line on the carnage. The government had enforced a total media blackout and stopped local and international media from covering the tragic blood shed of the decade. Had the news channels been there, would it have been possible for the government to stay inactive and not take action against the perpetrators?
The 2002 Gujarat riots in contrast took place in the full glare of 24x7 news channels, prompting human rights activists to prod both the judiciary as well as public conscience.
Can the media through its 24-hour coverage help prevent massive communal riots? Inspite of the critical role played by the media, is it still largely ignored and bypassed by politicians?
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