Srinagar: Amid rising concerns over misuse of media credentials, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Jammu and Kashmir, has directed all District Information Officers (DIOs) in the Kashmir Division to exercise strict vigilance and report instances of impersonation and unethical practices in the name of journalism.
In a circular issued by Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director Information, Kashmir, the department noted that repeated complaints had been received about individuals posing as journalists without proper accreditation or authorization. Some of these individuals, according to the circular, were allegedly involved in extortion, blackmail, coercion of officials, and circulation of defamatory or unverified material against institutions and officers.
The circular instructs DIOs to maintain and regularly update a verified list of accredited and bona fide journalists operating in their districts in consultation with DIPR and recognized media houses. It further directs that official press releases, media invites, and briefings be shared only with verified journalists through official channels.
DIOs have been asked to coordinate with the concerned Deputy Commissioners and Police authorities for legal and administrative action wherever such misuse is reported. They are also required to submit periodical vigilance notes highlighting any incidents and preventive measures taken.
The advisory also calls on DIOs to sensitize local media houses and editors to exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, or stringers, and to ensure proper authorization and identification. It recommends that media organizations take disciplinary and legal action against any representatives found indulging in coercive or defamatory practices.
Further, media houses have been urged to disassociate from individuals misusing press credentials for personal gain, refrain from legitimizing unverified or unethical practitioners, and uphold the code of journalistic ethics laid down by the Press Council of India and DIPR’s accreditation guidelines.
Copies of the directive have been forwarded to the Director, Information & Public Relations J&K, all Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police in Kashmir Division, and accredited media houses for strict compliance.
