No real-time or source-based coverage of defence ops: Govt tells media; cites lapses during Kargil war, 26/11 attacks

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Saturday issued an advisory to all media organisations, digital platforms, and social media users, urging them to exercise "utmost responsibility" while reporting on defence matters and security-related operations.

The move, the I&B ministry said, was made "in the interest of national security" and to prevent inadvertent assistance to hostile elements through premature or inappropriate dissemination of information, news agency ANI reported.

The union ministry cautioned that "no real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on 'sources-based' information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken."



It stressed that early disclosure of sensitive information could "endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel."

The government’s directive comes against the backdrop of tensions with Pakistan, days after terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba group the Resistance Front, claimed responsiblity for the massacre 26 tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Rules for media on covering defence and security operations

The ministry reminded media platforms that existing laws already regulate reportage during anti-terror operations.

Referring to the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, it specifically highlighted Rule 6(1)(p), which states that "no programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces," and that media coverage must be "restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government, till such operation concludes."

The advisory underlined that any violation of this provision could invite legal action.

"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," the ministry said. Instead, information should be shared strictly based on official briefings by authorised personnel.

The ministry further emphasised that media, digital platforms, and individuals "play a vital role in safeguarding national security," and called upon all stakeholders to maintain "vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation."

Past lapses during Kargil, 26/11 and Kandahar hijacking cited

To highlight the seriousness of the issue, the ministry cited examples where past media reporting allegedly compromised national security.

It pointed to the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks of 26/11, and the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in Kandahar, stating that "unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests" during these critical events.

The ministry reiterated that the responsibility to protect sensitive information was not just a legal obligation but a "shared responsibility" between the government, media, and citizens to ensure the safety of the nation's forces and the integrity of ongoing operations.