Srinagar: In a significant move aimed at tackling the growing menace of individuals posing as journalists to extort or coerce officials, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has issued a stringent directive to all District Information Officers (DIOs) across Jammu and Kashmir, calling for heightened vigilance and coordinated action against such activities.
According to the circular issued on Friday, the DIPR noted that it had received “repeated complaints” from field officers, public representatives, and media houses regarding individuals falsely claiming to represent media organisations. These individuals, the directive said, have been “misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of unverified and defamatory material against public institutions and officers.”
“In several instances, such individuals were apprehended and booked for extortion and misuse of media identity,” the DIPR observed, underlining the seriousness of the issue.
Mandatory Verification of Media Personnel
To curb this trend, all DIOs have been directed to maintain and regularly update a verified list of accredited, authorised, and bona fide media persons operating within their respective districts. This list is to be prepared in consultation with the Directorate and recognised media houses.
The directive further instructs officers to ensure that press releases, media invites, and official briefings are shared only with verified journalists and authorised media outlets through official channels such as email or social media.
District officers have also been asked to keep a close watch on individuals or entities “misusing media credentials, indulging in coercion, or attempting to malign officials or institutions for personal or financial gain.”
Wherever such cases arise, the DIPR has directed DIOs to coordinate closely with deputy commissioners and police authorities to facilitate immediate legal and administrative action. Detailed factual reports of such incidents are to be shared promptly with the Directorate.
The circular further calls upon all district-level offices and departments to verify credentials before granting access or sharing information with anyone claiming to be a journalist.
Engagement and Accountability of Media Houses
In addition to field monitoring, the DIPR has urged DIOs to sensitise local media houses and editors about the growing problem of impersonation and unethical practices. Editors have been advised to exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, and stringers ensuring that only “qualified, credible, and verified” individuals are authorised to represent their outlets.
The directive also stresses the need for media organisations to take disciplinary and legal action against representatives found involved in coercive or defamatory conduct and to publicly disassociate from anyone misusing their name or credentials.
Further, media houses have been cautioned to refrain from legitimising individuals facing credible allegations of extortion or blackmail under the guise of journalism and to uphold the journalistic code of ethics prescribed by the Press Council of India and DIPR accreditation guidelines.
Vigilance and Ethical Journalism Emphasized
Finally, the DIPR has instructed all DIOs to submit periodic vigilance reports outlining field-level observations, incidents, and preventive measures undertaken.
The directive underscores the government’s growing concern over the misuse of media identity and its potential to damage public trust, disrupt governance, and malign genuine journalists.
Kashmir’s media circles have long raised alarms about the rise of unverified individuals exploiting journalism for personal gain, often damaging the credibility of legitimate media professionals. The DIPR’s latest order is expected to introduce a stronger framework of accountability and verification at the district level, ensuring that press freedoms are not misused as a cover for unethical practices.
