New Delhi: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Saturday issued 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 issued by the I&B Ministry has asked all media platforms, news agencies and social media users to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security related operations.
The government, while urging media channels to exercise vigilance and responsibility, said that telecasting such content violates Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and would be liable for action.
“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 inadvertantly assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel,” the advisory signed by Kshitij Aggarwal, Deputy Director, I&B Ministry said.
It said that 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 advisory said.
The advisory said, “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”.
The advisory said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has earlier already issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021).
“Such telecast is a violation of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and is liable for action thereunder. Therefore all TV channels are advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operations and movement by the security forces in interest of national security. Media coverage may be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate government till such operation concludes,” it said.
It requested all “stakeholders to continue to exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation”.
UNI
