Mangaluru: The media was urged to restrain from hyping up minor negative issues that have the potential to affect ‘Brand Mangaluru’ and instead spread positive messages, in the city on Monday.

Giving their feedback at a consultative meeting organised by the Dakshina Kannada Union of Working Journalists, Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate and the district administration here, Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo, PRO, Mangaluru Diocese, asked for focus on developmental journalism instead of crime. “Mangaluru does not need a new brand; we have to reaffirm the existing brand,” he said.

Though the mainstream media has of late been giving less priority to negative publicity, the situation is alarming on social media, Fr. Lobo said, urging the police to act strictly against rumour mongers. While Yatish Baikampady from Panambur Beach Development Project highlighted the need of safety at night and increased night life to boost confidence among people, retired airport director M.R. Vasudeva urged the media not to highlight the mischief of politicians.

Social activist G. Hanumanth Kamath said the fine social fabric of Mangaluru got disturbed from 1998 on, attributing the administration’s lack of touch with the common man as a reason. The police are not holding regular public-connect meetings with residents at respective stations, he said. He also urged the police to act impartially in containing criminal activity.

To improve Mangaluru’s image, one has to think two decades in advance, said retired Colonel Sharath Bhandary, who stressed on the need for improved transport and communication infrastructure, satellite towns and an effective solid waste management system. Like many cities worldwide known for a unique thing, Mangaluru should be promoted to represent a unique thing, may be in sports or tourism sectors, he said.

Police Commissioner T.R. Suresh, Additional DC Kumar, Deputy Commissioners of Police Hanumantharaya and Uma Prashanth, Union President Srinivas Nayak Indaje, and others were present.