'Refrain from live coverage': Defence ministry's advisory to media channels amid India-Pakistan tensions

NEW DELHI: The ministry of defence in the wake of heightened cross-border tensions has called on all media outlets, digital platforms, and individuals to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and security force movements. The advisory, issued on social media platform X, warned that premature disclosure of sensitive information could compromise operational effectiveness and endanger lives."All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces.Disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardize operational effectiveness and endanger lives," the ministry posted. It added that events such as the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking demonstrated the dangers of "premature reporting."The ministry stressed that only periodic briefings by designated officials are allowed during anti-terror operations, in accordance with Clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. The rules prohibit live broadcasts of anti-terrorist operations and allow updates only through authorised government officers. "All stakeholders are urged to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation," the advisory said.The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) had earlier issued a directive reminding media platforms and individuals of their legal and moral responsibilities. “No real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on ‘sources-based’ information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken,” the MIB had said, adding that irresponsible reporting could assist hostile forces and jeopardise personnel safety. It also noted that violations would attract legal action under the existing broadcasting rules.The advisory comes amid escalating hostilities with Pakistan. Defence minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level security review meeting on Friday following a failed Pakistani drone and missile strike targeting Indian military installations. The armed forces had launched Operation Sindoor earlier this week, striking nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.