Pahalgam Terror Attack: Govt issued advisory for media channels, gave important instructions
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The central government has issued an advisory for media channels. This advisory has been issued keeping national security in mind. It has instructed not to broadcast defence operations and activities of security forces live.
The ministry has said that in the interest of national security, avoid live coverage.
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In view of the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory for all media channels. This advisory has been issued keeping in mind national security. It says that do not broadcast defense operations and activities of security forces live. The ministry has said, ‘In the interest of national security, do not broadcast defense operations and activities of security forces live.’
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued this advisory amid the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir. In a statement issued on April 26, 2025, the ministry has said that in view of the situation, media channels should exercise caution while doing live coverage in the interest of the country. 8 instructions have been given in the advisory.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issues advisory to all Media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces in the interest of national security. pic.twitter.com/MQjPvlexdr
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) April 26, 2025
The ministry said an advisory has been issued to all media channels to avoid live coverage of defence operations and activities of security forces.
- In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies and social media users are advised to act with utmost responsibility and strictly follow existing laws and regulations while reporting on defence and other security-related operations.
- In particular: There should be no real-time coverage, live broadcast, or publication of any ‘source based’ information relating to defence operations or activities of forces. Premature disclosure of sensitive information could aid hostile elements and jeopardise the effectiveness of operations and the safety of security forces personnel.
- Past events have underscored the importance of responsible reporting. During events such as the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, unchecked coverage had an adverse impact on national interests.
- The media, digital platforms and individual users play a vital role in protecting national security. Apart from legal obligations, it is also our collective moral responsibility to ensure that our actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the safety of security forces.
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already advised all TV channels to comply with Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. Rule 6(1)(p) states that, no programme shall be broadcast in a cable service which involves live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation being carried out by any security force, where the media coverage shall be restricted only to briefings from time to time by an officer designated by the Government, until such operation is over.
- Such broadcast is in violation of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and is liable for action under it. Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to carry live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation and activities of security forces in the interest of national security. Media coverage may be restricted to briefings made from time to time by an officer designated by the government until the operation is over.
- All stakeholders are requested to continue reporting with caution, sensitivity and responsibility, and maintain the highest standards in serving the nation.
- This order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority of the Ministry.
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