Move Follows LG Sinha’s Directive to Act Against ‘Fake Journalists’ in J&K
WAJAHAT SHABIR
Srinagar: Days after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed all Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police in Jammu and Kashmir to identify and act against “fake journalists” operating in the Union Territory, the District Information Offices of Baramulla and Bandipora have issued separate circulars mandating verification of all media persons active in their respective districts.
In compliance with directions from the Joint Director Information Kashmir, both districts have ordered all working journalists to submit their credentials for authentication within seven days. The move is part of a UT-wide campaign to curb misuse of media identity and ensure that only bona fide journalists are recognized by government departments.
The District Information Officer (DIO) Baramulla, in a circular issued on November 3, 2025 (No. INF/DIC/Bla-7023/2025), stated that all media persons operating in the district must provide detailed personal and professional information as per a checklist annexed to the order. The checklist includes Aadhaar or PAN card, appointment letter, bank or salary statements for the past six months, academic qualification certificate, and links to digital platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), and Instagram if applicable.
The circular reads, “This move aims to protect the sanctity of journalism, curbing the growing menace of fake journalists, thereby creating a transparent system for bonafide media professionals to operate in the district.”
It further emphasizes that only duly validated and authenticated media persons will be allowed to attend official government functions, press conferences, and VIP/VVIP visits, while unauthorized individuals “will not be entertained under any circumstances.”
Similarly, the District Information Officer Bandipora has issued an almost identical order, directing journalists to submit documents for verification and warning that no unverified person will be permitted to access government events. The order underscores vigilance against impersonation, misuse of media identity cards, or attempts to use the title of “journalist” for personal gains.
According to reports, the verification drive follows multiple complaints received by the administration about individuals misusing press identity cards and social media handles under the banner of journalism to intimidate officials or seek undue benefits.
Earlier, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) had instructed District Information Officers to report any instance of impersonation, coercion, or defamation committed through purported media credentials.
The verification campaign is part of a broader administrative push to monitor media activity and counter what officials describe as “false narratives” circulating through digital platforms. LG Sinha recently called upon police officers to adopt modern tools to track misinformation and ensure accountability in media operations.
