New Delhi, April 26 (H.S.): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reiterated its advisory to all media platforms to avoid live coverage of defence operations and the movements of security forces, citing national security concerns following the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Issued on Sunday, the advisory stresses that media, news agencies, and social media users must report responsibly, adhering to existing laws and regulations.
Specifically, it prohibits real-time coverage and dissemination of visuals or information based on sources regarding defence operations. The advisory warns that premature disclosure of sensitive information could jeopardize operational effectiveness and personnel safety.
Historical events, such as the Kargil war and the Mumbai attacks, highlight the dangers of unchecked reporting.
The Ministry emphasizes that safeguarding national security is a collective responsibility, transcending legal obligations. In line with this, all media is reminded to comply with Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which restricts live coverage of anti-terrorist operations to post-operation briefings by designated officials.
The advisory highlights that live telecasts of anti-terror operations are in violation of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, and may lead to penalties. It instructs all TV channels to refrain from airing such coverage in the interest of national security, allowing only periodic updates from designated officials until operations conclude.
Media stakeholders are called to maintain vigilance and responsibility in their reporting standards. The government has vowed to punish the terrorists behind the recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen lost their lives. Opposition parties have expressed solidarity with the government’s actions against the culprits.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened on April 23 to discuss the attack, condemning it and extending condolences to victims’ families. Details revealed cross-border links to the attack, reportedly occurring after successful elections in the Union Territory, indicative of its developmental progress. In response, the government has initiated measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan to address cross-border terrorism.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
