WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The Indian government has issued a stringent directive to media houses in Jammu and Kashmir, explicitly banning real-time reporting, dissemination of visuals, or speculative coverage of ongoing defence operations and troop movements.
The advisory released by the Ministry of Defence’s Public Relations Office warns that such reporting could inadvertently assist hostile elements, compromise operational effectiveness, and put the lives of security personnel at risk.
Specifically addressing the Jammu and Kashmir media, the advisory highlights concerns over the proliferation of “fake news” by some outlets, which it claims undermines national security efforts. The directive references Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which prohibits live coverage of anti-terrorist operations. Instead, media are instructed to rely solely on periodic briefings by government-designated officials until operations conclude. Violations could lead to legal action, the advisory cautions.
Drawing from historical precedents, the document cites incidents like the Kargil War, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking, where unrestricted media coverage allegedly jeopardised national interests. “Premature disclosure of sensitive information has unintended consequences,” the advisory states, urging media to adopt “utmost responsibility” in their reporting.
Deputy Director Kshitij Aggarwal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized the “shared moral responsibility” of media platforms and citizens to prioritize national security. The Public Relations Office separately urged J&K media to implement strict “security measures” in their editorial processes, stressing that compliance is not optional but a binding obligation.
The advisory has been circulated to self-regulatory bodies, electronic media associations, and the Broadcast Seva Portal for enforcement. Media houses in J&K, already operating in a sensitive security environment, are now under heightened scrutiny to align their reporting with the government’s guidelines or face legal repercussions.
