Strict Vigilance on Media Impersonation in Kashmir; DIO’s, DC’s, SSP’s Directed to Verify Impersonation

Srinagar : The Jammu & Kashmir Information and Public Relations Department on Friday issued a detailed communique to all District Information Officers (DIOs), Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, and accredited media houses, warning against the misuse of media identity and impersonation in the Kashmir Division.

In the office communique, addressed by the Joint Director, Information & PR, Kashmir, the department as noted that “Repeated complaints have been received from the field officers of different departments, public representatives and media houses from time to time, that certain individuals, without any formal accreditation or authorization, are posing as journalists or correspondents of various media organizations in the field.”

“These persons have, in several instances, been found misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of unverified and defamatory material against public institutions and officers. In certain cases, such individuals were apprehended and booked for extortion and misuse of media identity which highlights the seriousness of this matter,” the communique added.

The order directs all DIOs to exercise heightened vigilance and ensure several measures, Maintain and regularly update a verified list of accredited, authorised and bona fide media persons operating within the district, in consultation with the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) and media houses.

Ensure that press releases, media invites, and official briefings are shared only with verified and recognized journalists or media outlets through email and social media channels. Keep a close watch and immediately report any person or entity misusing media credentials, indulging in coercion, or attempting to malign officials, institutions, or private individuals for personal or financial gain.

Coordinate closely with concerned Deputy Commissioners and police authorities wherever such instances are reported, for coordinated legal and administrative action, and provide full factual details to the office without delay. Advise all district-level offices and departments to verify credentials before allowing access or sharing information or hospitality with anyone claiming to represent a media outlet. Submit a periodical vigilance note highlighting such incidents, field inputs, and preventive measures taken.

Further, the communique instructed DIOs to sensitize local media houses and advise editors to, Exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, or stringers in the field, and engage only qualified, credible, and verified correspondents, ensuring issuance of proper verifiable authorization letters and ID cards.

Take disciplinary and legal action against representatives found indulging in unethical, coercive, or defamatory practices. Disassociate publicly from individuals misusing an organization’s name or credentials for personal gain. Refrain from lending legitimacy to individuals facing credible allegations of extortion or blackmail under the guise of journalism, it read.s

The communique concluded, “Uphold the code of journalistic ethics as laid down by the Press Council of India and the DIPR accreditation/empanelment guidelines.”

The department emphasized these steps are aimed at protecting the credibility of journalism and ensuring ethical media practices across Jammu and Kashmir.