I&B ministry issues advisory to TV channels on anti-terror ops

Asks TV channels to ensure no operations linked information reaches terrorists and their handlers

The I&B Ministry has issued an advisory to all TV channels not to broadcast live anti- terrorist operations to avoid any adverse impact on rescue exercise.

The advisory came in the wake of some TV channels covering live anti-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on March 20.

The Ministry asked the TV channels not to focus on location, strength, movement, strategy and other related operations being followed by security forces engaging with the terrorists.

It advised all TV channels to safeguard innocent lives and ensure that no operations linked information reaches the terrorists and their handlers.

"In the interest of national security, live coverage of counter-terrorism operations by security forces should not be telecast," the advisory said.

"The media coverage may be restricted to periodic briefing by an earmarked official till the operation concludes," it said.

When contacted, I&B Secretary Bimal Julka said, "Keeping in view the sensitivities of the matter, we would seek cooperation from all the broadcasters."

The I&B Ministry's advisory comes at a time when the Home Ministry has already expressed its view that rules should be amended so that live coverage of security operations is disallowed.