Special Correspondent
New Delhi :
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Saturday issued a strong advisory to all media platforms, instructing them to refrain from providing live coverage of military operations and the movement of security forces, citing concerns over national security.
The advisory specifically directed that no real-time broadcasting, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on “source-based” information related to defence activities should be carried out. It emphasized that premature disclosure of sensitive operational details could aid hostile elements, compromise operational effectiveness, and endanger the lives of security personnel.
Referring to past incidents such as the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Kargil War, and the Kandahar hijacking, the Ministry highlighted how unrestricted and irresponsible media coverage had adversely impacted national interests during critical security situations.
“During events like the Kargil conflict, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests,” the advisory noted.
This advisory follows in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 Hindu tourists were brutally killed by Islamic terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region. In response, Indian security forces launched intensive operations to apprehend the perpetrators and initiated strong retaliatory measures against Pakistan.
The Ministry urged all news agencies, media houses, and social media users to adhere strictly to the prescribed rules and guidelines while reporting sensitive security matters, prioritizing the safety of ongoing operations and national interests.
