Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence on May 9 issued an advisory to the media to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces.
In a post on its social media handle X, the Ministry said, “All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces.”
The MoD said that the disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardise operational effectiveness and endanger lives.
It also cited past incidents like the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking, which underscore the risks of premature reporting.
The Ministry said that as per clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, only periodic briefings by designated officials are permitted during anti-terror operations.
“All stakeholders are urged to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation,” the MoD post said.
The Ministry also tagged an advisory of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which on April 6 had issued a detailed note.
The advisory to all media channels was to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces. It had listed some points of caution: 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.
It had also specified that no real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on “sources-based” information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken.