Government cautions media against revealing sensitive details during defence operations in new advisory

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) issued a comprehensive advisory on April 26, 2025, urging all media platforms, digital outlets, and social media users to exercise utmost caution when reporting on defence and security operations. The directive came in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. The government’s advisory underscores the critical role of responsible reporting in maintaining national security.

The I&B Ministry specifically warned against real-time coverage, the dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on information from unverified sources related to defence operations or security forces' movements. The advisory emphasized that premature disclosure of sensitive operational details could inadvertently aid hostile elements and endanger the safety of personnel involved in such operations. The government cautioned that the safety of individuals, as well as the effectiveness of security operations, could be jeopardized by such disclosures.

In addition, the advisory referred to the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which already regulate media coverage of anti-terrorism operations. Under Rule 6(1)(p), media outlets are prohibited from broadcasting live coverage of anti-terrorism operations. Instead, coverage must be limited to periodic briefings conducted by designated government officers until the operation concludes. This regulation aims to prevent the immediate release of critical information that could compromise national security.

The Ministry further highlighted the importance of safeguarding sensitive information during such operations, pointing out that past incidents such as the Kargil war, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking had shown the detrimental effects of unrestricted media coverage. In these instances, premature reporting resulted in unintended adverse consequences for national interests, underscoring the need for more controlled dissemination of information during critical operations.

The I&B Ministry concluded its advisory by reaffirming the collective responsibility of the government, media, and citizens in protecting the country’s security. It stressed that national security is a shared responsibility and that all stakeholders must maintain vigilance and sensitivity when covering or sharing information related to defence and security matters. The advisory called for a united effort to ensure the safety of personnel and the integrity of ongoing operations.