Don’t publish sensitive content: Govt to Media, influencers

New Delhi: In light of national security concerns, the Government of India has issued an advisory directing all media channels to refrain from providing live coverage of defence operations and security forces' movements.

This advisory follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on civilians at Baisaran, resulting in the tragic death of 26 tourists. The attack occurred on the same day as the visit of United States Vice-President J.D. Vance to India.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in a statement issued on Saturday, urged all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users to act with the utmost responsibility and comply strictly with existing laws and regulations when reporting on defence and security-related matters.

The advisory specifically prohibits real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on "source-based" information regarding defence operations and troop movements. The premature release of sensitive information, it warned, could assist hostile elements, compromise operational effectiveness, and put the lives of security personnel at risk.

Currently, a massive cordon and search operation is underway across Pahalgam, Anantnag, and the surrounding forest areas.

The government emphasized that past events such as the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking demonstrated the serious risks posed by unrestricted media coverage to national security.

The Ministry also reminded broadcasters of Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which prohibits live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces. Media reporting should be limited to periodic briefings by an officer designated by the appropriate government authority until operations are concluded. Violation of these rules could lead to strict action under the law.

All stakeholders have been urged to remain vigilant, act responsibly, and maintain the highest standards of journalism in the interest of the nation.