Letters to the EDITOR: Media Advisory on Defence Operations

Media advisory on defence operations

The Modi government asked media outlets on Saturday, April 26, to refrain from live coverage of defence operations and the movement of security forces, contending that such reportage may inadvertently help hostile elements. The advisory comes in the wake of reporting on defence matters following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly helpless and defenceless tourists. The government advisory said, “In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users are advised to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security-related operations.” Specifically: No real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on ‘sources-based’ information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken. The advisory also said that premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel. The advisory cited past incidents such as the Kargil War, the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008, and the Kandahar hijacking, when “unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests”.

Bhagwan Thadani,

(bhagwan_thadani@yahoo.co.in)

Social media and

 ‘Freedom’ of speech

No doubt, today’s digital age has witnessed widespread use of social media across all age groups, social classes and cultures. The power of this media is phenomenal, as it acts as a platform to gather information and express opinion. Over the years, the increasing instances of misuse of social media by criminals and anti-national elements have brought new challenges for law enforcement agencies. The Sunday, April 27 editorial, ‘Freedom’ of speech, has rightly said that although the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens, there are numerous laws like those related to defamation, sedition and hate speech, etc. These reasonable restrictions are designed in the Constitution in such a manner that they balance the individual’s rights with the needs of society. The state government’s ongoing crackdown against some persons, including an MLA, after the cowardly terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir, on the charges of ‘treason’, was extremely necessary, as they failed to realise that their speech or comment in the context of the Pahalgam incident would directly incite or encourage violence and acts of terrorism. Such irresponsible remarks are not under the umbrella of the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution; rather, it is a gross misuse of the digital platform, as it went against the highest interest of the country. Any acts that undermine the rule of law and pose a serious threat to national unity, honour, integrity and sovereignty need to be handled with an iron hand. What is needed for the users of social media is to be aware of the risks associated with their participation and remain restrained. Protecting social media from bringing about side effects is the need of the hour.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati