Refrain From Showing Live Coverage Of Defence Operations, Security Forces Movement: Government To Media

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday (26 April) asked all media channels, digital platforms, and social media users to refrain from live coverage or dissemination of visuals related to defence operations and the movement of security forces.

Citing national security concerns, the ministry underlined that premature disclosure of sensitive information could assist hostile elements and jeopardise operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel.

"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," the ministry said.

"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 ministry said in its advisory.

The ministry added that "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," it added.

The ministry emphasised that 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," it added.

Highlighting the legal framework already in place, the Ministry noted that it had earlier already issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which explicitly prohibits live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation, limiting media reporting to official periodic briefings by designated government officers until operations are concluded.

The advisory warned that violation of these norms would attract punitive action under the existing Cable Television rules.

"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," the ministry added.

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