Srinagar, Nov 3: In a strong move to uphold media integrity, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a crackdown on fake journalists operating across Jammu and Kashmir and directed that all online media platforms be registered and verified through the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the security situation in Kashmir Division, the LG took serious note of growing complaints about individuals misusing the name of journalism for blackmail, extortion, and coercion of officials.
According to officials present at the meeting, the LG instructed Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to identify and act firmly against such individuals. “Those misusing the name of journalism must face the law,” a senior official quoted Sinha as saying.
He also directed the administration to prepare a verified database of accredited and active journalists in each district and ensure that only duly verified media representatives are entertained by government departments.
In a bid to bring accountability to digital media, Sinha ordered that individuals or groups running Facebook pages, online portals, or social media handles under the banner of journalism be registered with the DIPR. These platforms, he said, must function strictly within the bounds of media ethics and lawful reporting.
The move follows repeated complaints from officials and legislators about self-styled journalists using fake media IDs to intimidate government functionaries.
Supporting the LG’s directive, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has issued a circular to all District Information Officers (DIOs), urging coordinated action against fake journalists. The DIPR noted it had received “repeated complaints” about individuals falsely claiming media affiliations and using them for “blackmail, extortion, and circulation of defamatory material.”
“All DIOs have been asked to maintain and regularly update a verified list of bona fide media professionals in consultation with recognised media houses,” the circular stated.
Officials said the initiative aims to safeguard the credibility of genuine journalists while curbing activities that tarnish the image of the press in Jammu and Kashmir. (Agencies)
