Indian MoD Directs Media Against “Live Coverage” Of Indo-Pak Conflict

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India has issued a strong advisory instructing all media channels, digital platforms, and individuals to immediately stop live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and security force movements amid the ongoing Indo-Pakistan conflict.

The official statement, shared on May 9 by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), warns that premature disclosure of sensitive or source-based details could compromise operational effectiveness and endanger the lives of military personnel.

“This is not just a legal obligation but a shared moral responsibility,” the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated, underlining that unrestricted coverage has in the past, such as during the Kargil War, Mumbai’s 26/11 attacks and the Kandahar hijacking, led to adverse consequences. The advisory specifically cites Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which prohibits live broadcast of anti-terrorist operations except through official government briefings.

The warning comes as tensions between India and Pakistan sharply rise following India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, carried out under Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Misinformation Surge Online

As the conflict intensifies, Pakistan-based social media accounts have launched a wave of misinformation to influence the narrative and disrupt India’s counteractions.

The PIB’s Fact Check Unit has been actively debunking false claims circulating online. Among the key instances:

• Drone attack in Jalandhar: A video claiming a Pakistani drone attack was exposed as footage of an unrelated farm fire, confirmed by the District Collector.
• Destroyed Indian post: Claims that the Pakistani army destroyed an Indian post were revealed as fake, with the alleged “20 Raj Battalion” not even existing in the Indian Army.
• Missile attack on India: A video showing a missile strike turned out to be footage from Beirut’s 2020 explosion.
• Fidayeen attack in Rajouri: Widespread reports of a militant attack on an Army brigade were debunked, with no such incident reported.
• Fake Army letter: A supposed confidential letter from an Army Chief named General VK Narayan was confirmed as fabricated; no such person holds that post.
• Ambala Airbase attack: Claims that India used Ambala Airbase to attack Amritsar citizens were proven baseless.
• False Sukhoi Su-30MKI downing: A Pakistani claim of shooting down an Indian Sukhoi jet over Muzaffarabad was debunked, as the actual crash occurred near Pune-Ahmednagar.
• Fake MLRS attack video: A viral video allegedly showing Pakistan’s MLRS attacks on India was found to be from a video game over three years old.

Call For Responsible Media

Authorities emphasize that all reporting should stick strictly to official briefings. “Media, digital platforms, and individuals must uphold the highest standards to safeguard national security,” the advisory reads, cautioning that violations will face action under the existing cable TV rules.

The government’s call reflects increasing concern that misinformation, if not countered quickly, can cause confusion and inflame tensions at a time when the situation on the ground remains highly sensitive.