Srinagar, May 1 The Ministry of Defence has expressed serious concern over the circulation of fake and unverified news by certain media outlets, cautioning that such reporting not only compromises the effectiveness of military operations but could also endanger the lives of security personnel involved in counter-insurgency actions across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a formal communication issued today, the Defence Ministry referred to an earlier advisory from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, dated April 26, 2025, which directed media organisations to strictly avoid real-time coverage or publication of visuals and information based on unofficial sources during ongoing defence operations.
Officials said the spread of false or unverified content — often under the guise of breaking news — risks inadvertently aiding hostile elements. Such reporting, they noted, can disrupt sensitive military actions and create confusion on the ground, thereby weakening national security efforts.
“Dissemination of real-time or source-based content related to military movement or engagements is strictly prohibited,” the advisory reads, emphasizing the need for media to act responsibly and in alignment with national interest, particularly in conflict zones like Jammu and Kashmir.
The Defence Ministry has urged all news outlets to follow the directives issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting without exception. It called for strict editorial oversight to ensure that no content undermines security protocols or fuels misinformation.[KNT]
