Centre bars live media coverage of defence ops after Pahalgam attack, cites national security | India News

NEW DELHI: Following the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people on Tuesday, mostly tourists, the Centre on Saturday issued a strong advisory to media outlets, urging them to immediately refrain from live coverage of defence operations and troop movements. The government warned that real-time reporting could “inadvertently assist hostile elements” and endanger national security.
“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 ministry of information and broadcasting said in its advisory.
The government specifically barred “real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on ‘sources-based’ information related to defence operations or movement,” emphasising that premature disclosure of sensitive details could compromise operational success and put personnel at risk.
The advisory draws attention to past lapses where media coverage severely impacted security operations. It pointed to the Kargil War, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking incident, warning that “unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests.”
Saturday’s advisory signals growing concern over the fast-paced, unregulated flow of information in today’s media ecosystem — especially on digital and social media platforms, where battlefield visuals and operational updates often surface before official confirmations.
Officials reminded media houses that several legal provisions already regulate sensitive reporting, including the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act and provisions under the Disaster Management Act. The advisory subtly warned that violations could attract action.
Security experts say the move was inevitable after images, videos, and speculative reports flooded news channels and social media following the Pahalgam attack, with some inadvertently revealing movement of reinforcements and counter-terror preparations.
Though the advisory stops short of imposing a complete ban on defence reporting, it underlines that the media must balance public interest with operational sensitivity. “Utmost responsibility” is the key, the government said, in an atmosphere where any careless dissemination could be weaponised by adversaries.
As security forces continue counter-terror operations in Kashmir, the Centre’s message is unequivocal: journalism must not become an unwitting accomplice to the enemy.