The Indian government has warned TV channels against airing live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces.

The advisory against such live coverage comes from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) in the light of the coverage of operations by security forces in Kathua and Doda districts of Jammu in the aftermath of terrorist attack on a bus that killed several pilgrims earlier in the week.

“It has come to the notice of this Ministry that during ongoing anti-terrorist operations on 11.06.2024 and 12.06.2024 in Kathua and Doda districts of Jammu, some news TV channels are carrying extensive coverage of these operations,” the advisory said, suggesting such activities should be stopped as they were against existing rules.

The Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021states that no programme “should be carried in the cable service”, which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces, and media

coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefing by a designated officer.

“Such telecast is in violation of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and liable for action thereunder. Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operation(s) by the security forces in interest of national security and to safeguard innocent lives,” the MIB advisory said.