Srinagar, Nov 01: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all District Information Officers (DIOs) in Kashmir Division to exercise strict vigilance and report any misuse of media identity or impersonation by individuals posing as journalists without formal accreditation.
In a circular issued by the Office of the Joint Director Information, Kashmir, the department said repeated complaints have been received from field officers, public representatives, and media houses about unaccredited individuals misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, and defamation against officials and institutions.
The circular highlights the seriousness of the issue and directs DIOs to maintain an updated list of accredited and bona fide journalists in consultation with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and media houses.
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DIOs have also been asked to ensure that press releases, media invites, and official briefings are shared only with verified journalists and recognized media outlets. They are further instructed to report any person misusing media credentials for coercion or personal gain and coordinate with Deputy Commissioners and Police for prompt legal action.
The order also advises district-level offices to verify credentials before granting access or sharing official information and mandates the submission of regular vigilance reports to the Information Office.
Additionally, DIOs have been told to sensitize local media houses to engage only verified correspondents, avoid giving legitimacy to individuals accused of extortion or blackmail, and uphold journalistic ethics as laid down by the Press Council of India and DIPR accreditation guidelines.
