Key Points
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a strict advisory prohibiting all media, digital platforms, and social media users from live coverage of defence operations and security force movements following the Pahalgam terror attack.
- The advisory cites national security concerns and warns that premature disclosure of sensitive information can jeopardize ongoing operations and endanger personnel.
- Past incidents like the Kargil War, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and Kandahar hijacking are referenced as examples where unrestricted media coverage had adverse effects on national interests.
- The advisory reiterates legal obligations under Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, and warns of strict action for violations.
- All reporting on defence matters must be based solely on official briefings by designated government officers until operations conclude.
New Delhi: Amid heightened tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a sweeping advisory to all media channels, digital platforms, and social media users, strictly prohibiting live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and security force movements. The move comes as India intensifies security protocols and diplomatic measures in response to the attack that claimed 26 lives in Jammu & Kashmir.
National Security Takes Precedence
The advisory, released Saturday, underscores the paramount importance of national security and urges all stakeholders to exercise the highest degree of responsibility when reporting on defence and security-related matters. It specifically bans:
- Live telecast or real-time coverage of military operations or troop movements.
- Dissemination of visuals or reporting based on “source-based” information during ongoing operations.
- Any form of premature disclosure of sensitive details that could inadvertently aid hostile elements or compromise the safety and effectiveness of security forces.
The ministry emphasized that even inadvertent leaks or real-time updates can provide adversaries with critical information, potentially putting both missions and personnel at risk.
Lessons from the Past: Kargil, 26/11, Kandahar
Citing historical precedents, the advisory references the Kargil conflict, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking as events where unrestricted media coverage led to unintended and damaging consequences for national interests. During these crises, real-time broadcasts and unfiltered reporting were found to have hampered counter-terror operations and, in some cases, endangered lives.
Legal Mandate and Enforcement
The ministry reminded all broadcasters and digital platforms of their legal obligations under Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. This rule explicitly prohibits any programme from carrying live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces, restricting reporting to periodic briefings by a government-designated officer until the operation concludes. Any violation of this provision is liable for strict action under the law.
Collective Responsibility and Call for Vigilance
Beyond legal compliance, the government stressed the collective moral responsibility of media, digital platforms, and individuals in safeguarding national security. The advisory urges all stakeholders to maintain vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in their coverage, ensuring that reporting serves the nation’s best interests and does not compromise ongoing operations or the safety of security personnel.
“Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel. All stakeholders are requested to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation.”
: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Advisory
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and rising India-Pakistan tensions, the Centre has issued a robust advisory barring all forms of live or real-time coverage of defence operations. The directive, grounded in both legal and moral imperatives, aims to prevent the inadvertent compromise of national security and protect the lives of security forces. Media and digital platforms are instructed to rely solely on official briefings for updates on ongoing operations, with strict penalties for any violations.
