The Ministry of Defence on Friday issued a formal advisory instructing media outlets, digital platforms, and individuals to refrain from broadcasting live or real-time coverage of defence operations and the movement of security forces.
In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Ministry warned that premature disclosure of sensitive or source-based information could jeopardise operational effectiveness and put lives at risk.
The advisory highlighted the potential dangers of unregulated coverage, citing past examples such as the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking, where live reporting adversely impacted national security.
The Ministry referred to clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which prohibits live coverage of anti-terror operations.
The law allows only periodic briefings by authorised government officials during ongoing military engagements.
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The Ministry reiterated, “No programme should be carried on cable services that contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces until the operation concludes.”
Violations, it stated, are subject to action under the law.
The advisory emphasised the moral and legal responsibility of the media and digital platforms in protecting national interests.
“Apart from legal obligations, it is a shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the safety of our forces,” the statement read.
The Ministry of Defence also linked to an earlier advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) on 6 April, which similarly instructed all television channels and media platforms to strictly adhere to reporting norms concerning military operations.
The MoIB warned that any violation of the Cable Television Networks Rules would result in punitive action.
Concluding the advisory, the Ministry urged all stakeholders to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in their reporting.
It appealed for journalism that upholds the highest standards ‘in the service of the nation’.
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