Within the wake of the Pahalgam terror assault earlier this week in South Kashmir, the Data and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry has requested media channels to chorus from displaying stay protection of defence operations and motion of safety forces.
An advisory issued by the ministry on Saturday mentioned that within the curiosity of nationwide safety, all media platforms, information companies, and social media customers are suggested to train utmost accountability and cling strictly to present legal guidelines and rules whereas reporting on defence and different security-related operations.
It warned in opposition to airing real-time protection, disseminating visuals, or reporting based mostly on “source-based” details about defence operations or motion. “Untimely disclosure of delicate info could inadvertently help hostile parts and endanger operational effectiveness and security of personnel,” it mentioned.
Citing examples of occasions such because the Kargil battle, the Mumbai terror assaults (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, it mentioned that unrestricted media protection had unintended hostile penalties on nationwide pursuits up to now.
It mentioned that media, digital platforms, and people play an important function in safeguarding nationwide safety. “Other than the authorized obligations, it’s a shared ethical accountability to make sure that our collective actions don’t compromise ongoing operations or the safety of our forces.”
It reiterated that the ministry had issued advisories to all TV channels to stick to Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Tv Networks (Modification) Guidelines, 2021. As per the rule, no programme ought to be carried within the cable service which comprises stay protection of any anti-terrorist operation by safety forces, whereby media protection shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the suitable authorities, until such operation concludes.”
Such telecast violates guidelines and is responsible for motion, it mentioned. “All stakeholders are requested to proceed exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and accountability in protection, upholding the best requirements within the service of the nation,” it mentioned.