GUWAHATI: The Centre on Saturday, April 26, issued an advisory asking all media platforms to refrain from providing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces. The advisory was released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
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The advisory stated that in the interest of national security, all media channels, news agencies, and social media users must act with responsibility and comply strictly with the relevant laws and regulations when reporting on matters concerning defence and security operations. Specific instructions were issued against real-time dissemination of visuals or reporting based on "sources-based" information, citing risks to operational effectiveness and personnel safety.
It cited previous instances such as the Kargil War, the Mumbai terror attacks of 26/11, and the Kandahar hijacking which demonstrated the adverse consequences of unrestricted media coverage in national interests. The advisory reiterated that premature disclosure of sensitive information in such a manner could assist hostile elements.
Hence, the government has reminded all stakeholders of their critical role in safeguarding national security. Apart from legal obligations, it was stated that a shared moral responsibility exists to ensure media coverage does not compromise ongoing operations or the safety of security forces.
The advisory also referenced earlier guidelines issued under Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. The rule mandates that no programme should carry live coverage of anti-terrorist operations, limiting media updates to briefings by designated government officers until the conclusion of operations.
Telecasting such live coverage would constitute a violation of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, and would attract penal action. Therefore, TV channels have been advised to comply strictly with the directive, with emphasis on safeguarding national interests through responsible reporting.
The advisory comes just days after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which has led to the loss of 26 lives. India’s relations with Pakistan are at an all-time low following the incident, as both sides have retaliated against each other with numerous diplomatic actions. Cross-border firing has also been carried out between both the nation’s armies.
