SRINAGAR: Police in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have issued an advisory urging media persons, social media handlers, freelance journalists and content creators to exercise caution while recording or circulating visuals related to police and security operations.
The advisory cautions against publishing videos or photographs that may disclose sensitive details of security arrangements, including deployment patterns, escort formations, access control measures, frisking procedures, vehicle movements, communication equipment, or tactical positioning of personnel.
It further states that close-up visuals of officers or security personnel engaged in operational duties, as well as any content that could reveal procedural methods or operational “tradecraft”, should not be recorded or shared without prior permission.
Police said the publication of such material without authorisation could compromise operational security, endanger personnel, and potentially assist hostile elements in analysing security procedures and identifying vulnerabilities.
While affirming that coverage of public events and official programmes is permitted, the advisory emphasised that such reporting must be carried out responsibly and in a manner that does not undermine security arrangements. It added that prior approval should be obtained where coverage involves police deployments or sensitive operational activity.
Authorities warned that any irresponsible publication or circulation of material prejudicial to public order or security may attract action under relevant provisions of law.
The advisory has been issued in the interest of officer safety, operational security and maintenance of public order, officials said.
