In an effort to enhance national security, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released a comprehensive advisory urging all media entities, digital platforms, and social media users to approach reporting on defense operations with extreme caution and responsibility. This directive comes amid increasing concerns regarding the potential dangers posed by unregulated media coverage during sensitive military operations.
The advisory explicitly prohibits live broadcasts of military activities, the real-time sharing of sensitive visuals, and the utilization of “source-based” information related to active military missions. The government has underscored the serious risks tied to the premature release of operational details, emphasizing that such disclosures could unintentionally assist adversarial forces, disrupt mission effectiveness, and jeopardize the safety of personnel engaged in these operations.
To reinforce this message, the Ministry stated that in the interest of national security, it is imperative for all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users to comply with existing laws and regulations when reporting on defense and security matters. The reminder was couched in a broader call to responsibility, highlighting that beyond legal compliance, there is a moral obligation to ensure that collective actions do not undermine operational integrity or endanger security personnel.
The advisory referenced historical events such as the Kargil conflict, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking, noting how unrestricted media coverage during critical situations has previously resulted in severe and unintended consequences. These examples serve as stark reminders of the potential fallout from indiscriminate reporting.
Furthermore, the Ministry reiterated earlier guidelines outlined under Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which prohibits live coverage of anti-terrorist operations. This rule stipulates that reporting should be limited to periodic updates provided by an official spokesperson designated by the relevant governmental authority.
In concluding the advisory, the Ministry issued a stark warning that any violations of these protocols could lead to stringent actions under applicable laws. The statement duly advised all television channels to refrain from broadcasting live coverage of anti-terrorist operations or the movements of security forces, reaffirming that these measures are crucial for safeguarding national security.
