Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today called upon journalists to exercise restraint and ensure that nothing that divides the society or the country is written, broadcast or telecast.

Inaugurating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists in Kochi today, he urged media persons to make conscious efforts to build bridges between communities and regions. Stressing that reporting and opinions should be fair, objective and balanced, he said the desire to be sensational should be avoided.

Referring to the recent tragic developments in Assam and their reverberations in Mumbai and other places, the Prime Minister said social peace and harmony cannot be taken for granted.

Dr Singh called upon media persons to remain constantly vigilant and to work towards promoting greater communal harmony and inter community understanding.