J&K Govt Issues Strict Vigilance Order Against Fake Journalists Misusing Media Identity for Extortion and Blackmail

Srinagar, October 31:

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a strong directive to all District Information Officers (DIOs) across the Kashmir Division to intensify vigilance and monitoring against individuals misusing media identities without valid accreditation or authorization.

In an official circular (No: INF/K-Estt.2091-98/2025 dated 31/10/2025) issued by Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, JKAS, Joint Director Information, Kashmir, the department highlighted that several complaints have been received from field officers, departments, and public representatives regarding people falsely posing as journalists or correspondents.

According to the circular, such individuals have allegedly been involved in blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of defamatory or unverified material against public institutions and officers. Some of these individuals have already been apprehended and booked for these unlawful activities, reflecting the seriousness of the issue.

The order instructs all DIOs to:

1. Maintain and regularly update a verified list of accredited and bona fide media persons operating in each district.
2. Ensure official press releases and media briefings are shared only with recognized and verified journalists or media houses.
3. Report immediately any misuse of media credentials or attempts to malign officials and institutions.
4. Coordinate with Deputy Commissioners and Police authorities for legal and administrative action in such cases.
5. Advise all government offices to verify credentials before sharing information or offering hospitality to anyone claiming to represent a media outlet.
6. Submit regular vigilance reports highlighting incidents and preventive measures taken.

Additionally, media houses have been advised to exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, or stringers, and to take strict disciplinary action against anyone involved in unethical or coercive practices.

The department also urged editors to disassociate from individuals misusing media credentials for personal gain and to uphold journalistic ethics as per the Press Council of India and DIPR guidelines.

This move aims to curb the rising misuse of media identity in the Union Territory and promote credible, transparent, and responsible journalism.

(Source: Department of Information & Public Relations, J&K)