‘Avoid publishing close up visuals of personnel engaged in sensitive security duties’
Srinagar : The District Information Office (DIO), Baramulla, on Thursday issued a media advisory urging journalists, local news portals and social media content creators and freelance media professionals to exercise caution while recording, publishing and circulating content related to official visits, public events, security arrangements and law enforcement activities.
The advisory comes a day after Baramulla Police issued similar guidelines, stressing the need for responsible reporting and content dissemination in matters involving security and public safety.
The advisory asked the media stakeholders to refrain from capturing, highlighting or publishing visuals that may reveal security arrangements or protective details of officers and dignitaries.
It specifically cautions against sharing information related to deployment patterns of police and security personnel, access control and frisking procedures, movement management systems, evacuation plans, escort formations, route security measures, communication equipment, command locations and operational procedures.
The Information Department has also advised media professionals to avoid publishing close up visuals of personnel engaged in sensitive security duties or any imagery that could inadvertently disclose security related protocols and arrangements.
The advisory states that such precautions are intended to safeguard security personnel, ensure public safety and prevent the misuse of sensitive information by undesirable elements.
Apart from security related concerns, the department has called upon media persons to maintain professional standards while editing and publishing content. It has urged journalists and content creators to ensure that videos, photographs and social media posts relating to official functions, public meetings, government programmes and VIP or VVIP visits are not accompanied by inappropriate audio, visual effects or captions that may undermine the dignity of the institutions or events concerned.
Seeking cooperation from media stakeholders, the department said responsible journalism plays a vital role in promoting public awareness while safeguarding public order and security.
Police advisory earlier stated that media coverage of public events and official programmes is welcome, but must not compromise operational security. It advised prior permission for recording police personnel or security arrangements and warned that publication of material prejudicial to security or public order may invite action under law
