Govt restricts live media coverage of defence ops, cites Kargil War, 26/11-OxBig News Network

Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the government on Saturday asked media outlets to refrain from live coverage of defence operations and the movement of security forces.

This is the first such advisory since the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks when the media was told to exercise caution. Citing past experiences such as the Kargil conflict, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the Kandahar hijacking, the advisory, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, underlined how unrestricted media coverage in times of crisis had in the past led to unintended consequences detrimental to national interests.

The advisory extends to news agencies, digital platforms and social media users, emphasising the need for utmost caution and responsibility in reporting matters related to national security. It contended that such reporting might inadvertently help hostile elements.

“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 in a statement.

It has specifically prohibited real-time dissemination of visuals, live reporting from sensitive locations and the use of “source-based” information relating to ongoing military actions. It warned that premature disclosure of sensitive operational details could inadvertently assist hostile elements, jeopardising both the effectiveness of missions and the safety of personnel involved. The ministry stressed that the media, digital platforms and individual users play a crucial role in upholding national security.

“Beyond legal obligations, it is a shared moral duty to ensure that collective actions do not compromise the integrity of ongoing operations or endanger the lives of security forces,” it said.

It warned that violation of these provisions could attract strict action under the applicable laws. “All TV channels are, therefore, advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terror operations or the movement of security forces in the interest of national security,” the advisory emphasised.