Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNB): The Jammu & Kashmir Information and Public Relations Department has issued a major directive to all District Information Officers (DIOs), Deputy Commissioners (DCs), SSPs, and accredited media houses, mandating strict vigilance and verification to curb the widespread misuse of media identity and impersonation in the Kashmir Division.
The action follows repeated complaints from public officials and media organizations regarding unauthorized individuals posing as journalists.
The office communique, issued by the Joint Director, Information & PR, Kashmir, highlighted the seriousness of the issue, stating that these unaccredited individuals have been found “misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials,” and circulating defamatory material. The order noted that several such persons have been apprehended and booked for these offenses, underscoring the necessity of immediate administrative action.
Mandatory Verification and Reporting
The directive instructs all DIOs to intensify vigilance and implement the following measures immediately:
The department concluded by emphasizing that these steps are crucial for protecting the credibility of journalism and ensuring ethical practices, urging all stakeholders to uphold the code of journalistic ethics set by the Press Council of India and DIPR accreditation guidelines.(KNB)