After Opposition Levels 'Misleading' Accusation, Govt Issues Advisory Against 'Source-Based' Reporting

New Delhi: Hours after the opposition, citing a news report, hit out at the government for allegedly misleading them in the all-party meeting, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting brought out a notification advising caution on among other things, reporting based on “sources-based” information related to defence operations or movement.

While the advisory's subject reads: "Advisory to all Media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces reg," its body includes directions to news outlets of various kinds, including social media users, and not just television channels.

"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 advisory starts.

It then makes a case for "source-based information," to say:

"Specifically: No real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on “sources-based” information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken. Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel."

This comes on a day when The Hindu in a report had cited a J&K official as saying: “The Baisaran meadow has remained open for tourists for years.” This claim runs afoul of the government's claim in the all-party meeting after the Pahalgam attack that “police authorisation has never been sought for the tourist spot."

Baisaran is the meadow where 26 civilians were killed in a terror attack on April 22. The all-party meeting was called by the Union government a day later.

Sources had told The Wire that during the all-party meeting, party leaders were informed that the area where the incident took place is usually opened to tourists around June and local authorities are required to be informed when tourists are taken there – which was not done, and small batches of tourists were sent to the area from April 20 without informing local authorities.

Opposition leaders have accused the Union government of “misleading” the all-party meeting.

Later paragraphs of the advisory cite national security and a moral imperative.

"Past incidents have underscored the importance of responsible reporting. During events such as the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests," the advisory said.

It then goes on the say that "media, digital platforms, and individuals play a vital role in safeguarding national security."

"Apart from the legal obligations, it is a shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing
operations or the security of our forces."

The rest of the advisory focuses on television channels.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has earlier already issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021). Rule 6(1)(p) states, "No programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces, wherein media coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government, till such operation concludes.”

Such telecast is in violation of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and is liable for action thereunder. Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operation and movement by the security forces in interest of national security. Media coverage may be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government till such operation concludes.

"All stakeholders are requested to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation," the advisory says.

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