NEW DELHI: Citing past incidents – Kargil War, 26/11 attack and Kandahar hijacking – where media coverage severely impacted security operations, Centre on Saturday issued a strong advisory to media outlets, urging them to refrain from live coverage of defence operations and troop movements. With tensions escalating following the Pahalgam attack, I&B ministry’s advisory warned that real-time reporting could “inadvertently assist hostile elements” & endanger national security. tnn
Advisory signals growing concern over fast-paced, unregulated flow of info
The Union government 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.”
Government specifically barred “real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on ‘sources-based’ information related to defence operations or movement”, emphasising that premature disclosure of sensitive details could compromise operational success and put personnel at risk.
Saturday’s advisory signals growing concern over the fast-paced, unregulated flow of information in the current media ecosystem – especially on digital and social media platforms, where battlefield visuals and operational updates often surface before official confirmations.
According to senior officials, there are several legal provisions which already regulate sensitive reporting, including the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act and provisions under the Disaster Management Act and “the advisory subtly warned that violations could attract action”.
Security experts say the move was inevitable after images, videos and speculative reports flooded news channels and social media following the Pahalgam attack, with some inadvertently revealing movement of reinforcements and counter-terror preparations.
Though the advisory stops short of imposing a complete ban on defence reporting, it underlines that the media must balance public interest with operational sensitivity. “Utmost responsibility” is the key, govt said, in an atmosphere where any careless dissemination could be weaponised by adversaries.
