New Delhi: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday issued an advisory to all media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces in the interest of national security. The advisory was issued amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
"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 minister said.
"Specifically: 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 added.
The ministry highlighted several past incidents including Kargil war and the Mumbai terror attacks, where 'unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse' consequences on national interests.
"Past incidents have underscored the importance of responsible reporting. During events such as the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests," the ministry noted.
Earlier the ministry already issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021). Rule 6(1)(p) states that, "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."
"Media, digital platforms, and individuals play a vital role in safeguarding national security. Apart from the legal obligations, it is a shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the security of our forces," it added.
On April 22, a group of five to six terrorists killed 28 people at Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the abrogation of Article 370, it is the worst terror attack on civilians. Among the deceased were 27 tourists and a local pony guide.
