Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu Dec 2: The Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar District administration has launched a high-alert operation in the District following the government decision to crackdown on fake journalist across the Union Territory to curb the rising menace of media identity misuse, impersonation, and coercion, while simultaneously intensifying security actions against any alleged terror links within the press.
The move follows a recent directive from the Joint Director Information (JD Information), which warns that individuals without formal accreditation are exploiting the name of the media for “blackmail, extortion, and circulation of unverified and defamatory material.
Administrative Crackdown on “Fake Journalists”
Following the JD Information’s directive, District Information Officers (DIOs) have been instructed to undertake a thorough verification drive. The DIO in Kishtwar specifically issued a notice directing all local media personnel to submit their credentials within ten days under the subject: “Vigilance, Monitoring and Reporting of Misuse of Media Identity and Impersonation.”
In latest Key Directives and Requirements and Mandatory Document Submission, the Media persons must have to submit their Original accreditation/authorization letters and copies of identification proof (Aadhaar Card, Media House ID) for verification.
DIOs are instructed to maintain and regularly update a verified list of accredited, authorized, and bona fide media persons in consultation with the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and recognized media houses.
As a part of Coordination for Action; DIOs are mandated to keep a close watch and immediately report any individual misusing media credentials to the concerned Deputy Commissioners and Police authorities for prompt legal and administrative action.
All district-level offices are advised to share official press releases, invites, and information only with verified journalists on the updated roster.
This stringent verification drive is a direct response to repeated complaints that unaccredited individuals are “misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of unverified and defamatory material against public institutions and officers,” as stated in the DIPR circulars.
The urgency of the action is underscored by previous cases, such as the one documented by the J&K Police where three media-affiliated persons, allegedly running a local news agency named “QUAMI TIMES,” were arrested in the year 2022 by Kupwara Police for extorting ₹20,000 cash from a vendor by threatening to defame his shop.
Extortion FIR No. 82/2022 U/S 384, 506 IPC in Police Station Kupwara cited the administrative seriousness of this drive is underscored by the explicit reference to past criminal incidents where media identity was used to commit financial crimes.
In this notable case the FIR registered in border Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir under Section 384 (Extortion) and Section 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in which three individuals, namely Bilal Ahmad Magray, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, and Ab Rashid Pir, affiliated with a local news agency named “QUAMI TIMES.” were booked & arrested by the police posing a big question mark on some individuals using media to loot the innocent people.
The case confirms that the misuse of media credentials is not merely an ethical violation but a serious criminal threat that the administration is determined to eliminate.
The fact that these individuals were apprehended and booked for this crime highlights the serious threat posed by unverified individuals operating in the field.
The government maintains that this verification drive is essential to “protect the sanctity of journalism” and ensure that only credible professionals operate, thereby safeguarding legitimate media outlets from being discredited by the criminal actions of a few impersonators.
Running parallel to the crackdown on professional misconduct, security agencies like the State Investigation Agency (SIA) and J&K Police continue their rigorous investigation into individuals—including those operating in the media space—allegedly involved in terror-related incidents and anti-national activities.
In recent High-Profile Actions; The State Investigation Agency (SIA) recently conducted raids and filed an FIR against the Editor of the Kashmir Times newspaper, alleging involvement in anti-national activities “threatening the sovereignty of India.” The SIA reportedly recovered arms, ammunition (including AK-47 ammunition, pistol rounds, and a grenade lever), and digital devices during the search. Though the newspaper has strongly denied the allegations.
Several journalists and activists in the J&K have been previously arrested or booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for allegedly spreading “anti-national” content, glorifying militant activities, or for links to proscribed organizations. These cases highlight the security apparatus’s zero-tolerance policy towards the misuse of any public platform to incite terrorism or secessionist ideology.
The dual action—by the DIPR to restore the sanctity of the media profession and by the security agencies to maintain national security—marks a decisive effort to sanitise both the administrative and information environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
In one such incident a journalist was barred from reporting in Kishtwar for his allege past links with Hizb terror outfit & working as an OGW/Terror recruiter, but despite all that the said journalist is still continue to pose himself as media person and work in close coordination with Kupwara based self styled journalists arrested by the police in 2022 in extortion case.
The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Kishtwar, today announced the launch of a comprehensive, Kishtwar-wide vigilance and verification campaign for all media personnel. The measure is being enforced strictly across all districts, including Kishtwar, to curb the rampant misuse of media identity, impersonation, and attempts at coercion and extortion.
The move is based on a directive issued by the Joint Director Information (Kashmir/Jammu), following repeated complaints from public representatives, field officers, and genuine media houses.
The officials inform that the Verification Plan is aim at protecting the Sanctity of Journalism.
“The objective of the drive is to establish a clear, verifiable distinction between bona fide media professionals and unauthorized individuals exploiting the profession for criminal activities” read fresh Government circular.
The circular makes it clear that this process is vital for creating a transparent system for authorized professionals and “curbing the growing menace of fake journalists.”
The Administrative Plan and Intent
Government Orders Verification to Protect Credibility is the core of the new plan is to establish a verified roster of authorized journalists and to shield government officials and the public from “fake journalists.”
The Key Directives Issued by the JD Information Office & by DIO Kishtwar focus on Mandatory Document Submission wherein all media personnel are required to submit their original accreditation/authorization letters and identification proofs to the DIOs within a specified timeframe (the Kishtwar DIO has set a deadline of ten days).
DIOs are tasked with maintaining and regularly updating a verified list of accredited, authorized, and bona fide media persons operating within the district.
District offices must keep a close watch and immediately report any person or entity misusing media credentials for coercion or defamation.
DIOs are directed to coordinate closely with Deputy Commissioners and Police authorities to ensure prompt legal action is taken against impersonators.
All district-level government offices have been advised to verify credentials before sharing official information or granting access to any person claiming to represent a media outlet.
The DIPR also urges editors and media houses to exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, or stringers, ensuring they are properly qualified, credible, and fully authorized. Media organizations are expected to publicly disassociate themselves from individuals misusing their organization’s name to uphold journalistic ethics.
This concerted campaign is intended to restore public trust in the media and ensure a conducive, safe environment for the functioning of genuine professionals across Jammu and Kashmir.
