New delhi: The Ministry of Information and broadcasting (I&B) has issued a stern note to the media outlets, digital pages and social media users not to conduct the live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces.
The advisory tactfully reminds that live reporting in this case can unwittingly assist the enemy and be a security threat for nation.
Citing National Security
Premature disclosure of sensitive material whether of the visual nature or based on unconfirmed sources may create a reaction which would loosen the effectiveness of the ongoing operation and put the participants life in danger as highlighted by the Ministry. The note rightly hammered out the importance of the media in serving national security and its role was under stress to keep responsible in this current security situation post recent incidents.
Lessons from Recent Incidents
The advisory went on to name the past incidents such as along with Kargil War 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and Kandahar hijackings where otherwise unrestricted news coverage is viewed to have had unintended harmful implications on national interests — perhaps, information for opponents.
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Compliance with Current Standards and Scope
The I&B ministry had also reminded media houses on Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which speaks about live coverage of anti-terror operations by security forces. The rule limits the scope of media at times like these to periodic ‘briefings’ by an officer of the government until the operation ends. The advisory is not limited to printed traditional media, but digital news aggregators or anyone propagating the matter on social media also included by the government as it feels it shall nip in-the-nip the fast spread of information in a digital era. Any infraction of these regulations would be severely penalised under law, the advisory noted and implored all stakeholders to be aware, conscious and responsible in their reporting in support of national security.
