Facing the heat for an interview is a part of every journalist’s life, and comes in many forms — from governments who find it inconvenient for a counter-view to be “platformed” to commentators who believe that it is an “anti-national” act to interview officials of an unfriendly country. Indian officials meet with Taliban officials to discuss various initiatives, and this year, even conducted online training sessions with them. Despite anger at the regime in Kabul over denying education to girls or sheltering terror groups, several journalists from the international media and the Indian media have interviewed Taliban officials. The truth is that journalists and diplomats have missions that are separate from those of governments, politicians and powerful establishments. A journalist’s job — to present the first draft of history — is incomplete if it only presents one state-approved view.

Source: The Hindu May 12, 2023 16:50 UTC