New Delhi: Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta today asked the electronic media to be conscious of implications of live reportage on security forces operations, such as Mumbai terror strikes that claimed over 180 lives.

"Heavy reporting in Mumbai is very disturbing. It has got practical implications and it is a fact that the moment you show commandos going into (buildings occupied by terrorists), the tactical (surprise) element is compromised," Mehta told reporters here.

"Be a little conscious of this. I will not tell you to be cautious. I think it requires some kind of restraint," he said referring to the commando operations in Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi Trident and Nariman House.

Mehta said they (terrorists) were in contact with their masters outside and what was on television was being relayed to them over phone.

"All over the world the media is an enabling instrument. In India, it is a disabling instrument. You only go and spoil the issues you cover," he said.

He also had problems with the media for reports of him being "pulled up" by Defence Minister Antony. "You have already put my reputation in the dock by reporting that I have been pulled up ... And I should be a few inches taller by now through the pulling up every odd day. Whenever I go to meet the Minister, the next day s headline will be the Navy chief pulled up," he said.

Wondering if that was the only reason for him to meet the Minister, the Navy chief said his office was ready for clarifications when the media wanted some information.

Source : PTI