Defence Ministry asks media outlets to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage.
NEW DELHI, May 9 (The CONNECT) – The Defence Ministry has asked the media outlets to desist from irresponsible and so-called live coverage of the ongoing Operation Sindoor against Pak-sponsored terror training camps.
All stakeholders are requested to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation, Kshitij Aggarwal, Deputy Director, said in an advisory to all media channels.
This assumes significance in view the dramatization and sensationalisation of the India-Pakistan clashes by the Godi media in particular.
Some of the reports said, wrongly though, that the Indian Navy attacked Karachi and the Indian forces have damaged dozens of Pak cities.
Couple of channels breamed footage from video games, while some spoke of alleged suicide bomber attacks.
A minister even tweeted a false flash about the Indian attack on Karachi.
Many channels have kept blowing air raid sirens while some anchors danced while shouting at the top of their voices while paying the fake news that the Army has entered Pakistan.
The Ministry of Defence, therefore, said “In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users are advised to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security related operations”.
Specifically: 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 inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel, the advisory said.
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.
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.
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). Rule 6(1)(p) states that
No programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces, wherein media coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government, till such operation concludes.
Such telecast is in 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 operation 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.
