Now defence ministry issues 'security instructions' for interaction with media

NEW DELHI: The defence ministry has imposed a virtual gag order on all officials and service personnel in South Block against speaking to the media, warning that the present "security scenario" demands its strict implementation.

The instructions, issued in a terse note a week ago, come days after similar restrictions were placed on home ministry officials by the government. They require that permission for any engagement with the media has to be sought through the Directorate of Public Relations. All direct communication is banned.

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"Non-adherence to the laid down instruction/guidelines on the subject might lead to embarrassment to the department," according to the July 30 note sent to all defence ministry officials under the title 'Security instruction for interaction with media personnel." This covers "both service personnel and civilians posted in Defence HQ Security Zone."

The defence ministry is a strictly controlled area and meetings with officials are already restricted. The new instructions are expected to cut down communication even further.

No explanation was given for the new rules besides pointing to the "present security scenario."

The note also stated that no officials will "project or highlight their progress or achievements" without concurrence from the public relations department. The security instructions follow similar rules that were circulated in the home ministry last month.

ET reported in March that the defence ministry had revised security guidelines after leaks of classified information from various ministries. These had focused on restricting access to the ministry and defence establishments and had warned that even internal military phone lines were not secure.