Srinagar, Aug 6 (JKNS): BJP Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday urged the administration, police and the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) to take stringent action against unregistered social media news portals, alleging that many such platforms are involved in spreading misinformation, promoting anti-India narratives, disturbing public order and, in some cases, indulging in blackmail and extortion while misusing the name of journalism.
As per news agency JKNS, BJP’s Manzoor Bhat has urged the administration, and the police to take strict action against unregistered news portals operating on social media.
He said that many such platforms are allegedly involved in spreading misinformation, disturbing public peace, promoting anti-India narratives, and, in some cases, engaging in blackmail and extortion.
Bhat called upon the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) to establish a transparent mechanism to distinguish accredited and recognized journalists from unauthorized individuals misusing social media in the name of journalism.
He said there should be a proper system to verify who is authorized to operate news portals and who is functioning outside the legal framework.
Bhat expressed concern that genuine and professional journalists are the biggest victims of this growing challenge. He said that the actions of unregistered and unethical individuals posing as journalists are damaging the credibility and reputation of the entire media fraternity.
He stressed that those operating without proper registration or legal recognition should not be allowed to misuse journalism as a cover for unlawful activities.
Calling for a robust regulatory mechanism, Bhat urged the administration to identify and take action against illegal news portals while safeguarding the dignity and credibility of genuine journalists.
He appealed to the police and civil administration to shut down illegal platforms found violating the law and to initiate strict legal action against anyone involved in blackmail, extortion, or other unlawful activities.
Bhat further emphasized that journalism must be guided by accountability, responsibility, and professional ethics.
He said that merely creating a social media page or portal should not entitle anyone to claim the status of a journalist without complying with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
He called for a transparent system that ensures accountability while protecting the independence and credibility of the media.
He added that accredited and duly recognized journalists, who work within the framework of professional ethics and the law, deserve institutional support and priority.
According to Bhat, such a mechanism would help protect the integrity of journalism, prevent misuse of media platforms, strengthen public trust, and safeguard democratic values.
He also stated that the misuse of unregulated platforms to spread misinformation or hostile narratives can have serious implications for public order and, where applicable, national security, making timely action by the authorities essential.
He stressed that journalism must be based on accountability, responsibility, and professional ethics. Merely creating a Facebook page or social media portal should not entitle anyone to claim the status of a journalist without complying with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Bhat called upon the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) to establish a transparent mechanism to distinguish accredited and recognized journalists from unauthorized individuals misusing social media in the name of journalism.
He said there should be a proper system to verify who is authorized to operate news portals and who is functioning outside the legal framework.
He further said that accredited and recognized journalists should receive institutional support and priority, while strict action should be taken against those found misusing journalism for unlawful purposes.
Appealing to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ji, Bhat urged him to personally intervene in the matter and direct the concerned departments to take effective action against unregistered social media news portals operating in violation of the law.
He said that regulating such platforms would help protect the credibility of professional journalism, strengthen public trust, safeguard democratic values, and address the risks posed by misinformation and unlawful activities carried out under the guise of journalism. (JKNS)
