In what can be seen as the government putting its foot down, Prasar Bharti, India's public broadcaster, is sending a letter threatening to end its "relationship" over the alleged "anti-national" reportage by news agency Press Trust of India or PTI. This comes soon after the PTI carried an interview with Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong, where he blamed India for the India-China violent standoff that saw 20 Indian Bravehearts getting martyred.
Sources say a "strong letter" is being sent to PTI just ahead of its Board meeting on Saturday where the public broadcaster expressed "deep displeasure on anti-national reporting by PTI". The public broadcaster has communicated that the PTI's editorial stance makes it untenable to "continue relationship".
Government sources claim that the broadcaster had been "supporting PTI with huge financial fees" which often ran into several crores. This arrangement has been going on for decades, claimed the source. However, it insisted that PTI has been "rigid" on review of the same since 2016-17.
What Is The Controversy:
As per reports, PTI is accused of providing a platform for China to run its propaganda. In the controversial interview which was published on June 25, the Chinese diplomat had put the onus to resolve the crisis on India. "The incident was completely instigated by the Indian side and the responsibility does not lie with the Chinese side," PTI had quoted him.
After the interview, Sun tweeted: "Gave interview to PTI on #GalwanValley Incident. Onus is not on #China. We are willing & able to properly manage differences. Mutual respect &support is sure way. Suspicion & friction is wrong path. Will jointly uphold peace & stability in border areas, ensure sound & steady relations."
How Netizens Reacted:
Many users have been slamming PTI for its anti-national reporting. A user wrote, "Is PTI Indian Media or Chinese? China is showing aggression at border and PTI didn't even ask one hard question? Interview of just 3 soft questions? No counter Q. Is this journalism? Sad to know govt is funding anti-India @PTI_News. It's time, govt must stop all the Funds."