In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this week in South Kashmir, the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry has asked media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces. An advisory issued by the ministry on Saturday said that 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 defence and other security-related operations. It warned against airing real-time coverage, disseminating visuals, or reporting based on "source-based" information about defence operations or movement. “Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and safety of personnel,” it said. Citing examples of events such as the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, it said that unrestricted media coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests in the past. It said that 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 reiterated that the ministry had issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. As per the rule, 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." Such telecast violates rules and is liable for action, it said. “All stakeholders are requested to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation,” it said.
