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India Bans Live Media Coverage of Defence Operations Following Pahalgam Attack

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting invokes legal provisions to restrict real-time reporting, citing national security concerns and lessons from past crises.

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Amid escalating tension with Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the Government of India on Saturday asked media outlets to refrain from live coverage of defence operations and the movement of security forces. (HT File)

Overview

  • The advisory prohibits live coverage of defence operations and troop movements, including visuals and source-based reporting, to safeguard national security.
  • Issued under Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, the directive restricts reporting to official briefings until operations conclude.
  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting warned that premature disclosure of sensitive information could aid hostile elements and endanger personnel.
  • The advisory references past incidents like the Kargil War, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and Kandahar hijacking, where unrestricted media coverage harmed national interests.
  • This directive follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, attributed to Lashkar-e-Taiba, which killed 26 tourists and heightened India-Pakistan tensions.