Days after the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued a stern advisory on Saturday to all media outlets, digital platforms, and social media users, urging them to refrain from providing live coverage of defence operations or movement of security forces.

Highlighting concerns around national security, the ministry emphasised that premature disclosure of sensitive information, whether visual or sourced, could inadvertently assist hostile elements and compromise the safety of security personnel. Media platforms have been asked to exercise “utmost responsibility” and strictly adhere to existing laws and regulations.

“In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users are advised to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security-related operations,” the advisory stated. 

The advisory further warned that “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.”

Citing lessons from past incidents such as the Kargil conflict, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking, the advisory stated these past operations underscored the importance of responsible reporting and reminded that “unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests.”.

The advisory cited the provisions of Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which clearly states that no programme should feature live coverage of anti-terrorist operations. Coverage must be limited to official briefings by government-designated officers until the conclusion of the operations.

"Any violation of these regulations is liable for strict action under the law," the Ministry stated. "It is not only a legal obligation but a shared moral responsibility for all media stakeholders to prioritise national security over the race for real-time updates."

Deputy Director Kshitij Aggarwal, who issued the advisory, also reminded media houses and digital platforms that previous advisories had been circulated, emphasising the same. Copies of the new advisory have been sent to self-regulatory bodies of TV channels, associations of electronic media, and have been uploaded on the Broadcast Seva Portal.

The Ministry called on all stakeholders and requested them “to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation.”

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