As Indian security forces have intensified their anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, the government on Saturday issued an advisory to media outlets on the coverage of such operations.
The advisory, issued by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, instructed all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security-related operations.
“No real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on 'sources-based' information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken. Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel,” it said.
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The ministry alleged that during the past events like the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attack and the Kandahar hijacking, unrestricted media coverage had led to “unintended adverse consequences on national interests”.
Noting that the media, digital platforms and individuals play a vital role in safeguarding national security, the government said it is a shared responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the security of our forces.
The ministry also emphasised the need to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules 2021, which says, “No programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces, wherein media coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government, till such operation concludes.”
