Defence Ministry Asks for Armed Forces Privacy During Operation Sindoor

Ministry Issues Guidelines for Respecting Privacy

New Delhi: The Defence Ministry (MoD) has made a request. They want news outlets to respect the privacy of senior armed forces personnel and their families during Operation Sindoor. The ministry has set clear rules for what is acceptable coverage.

Why the Advisory Was Issued

Some media personnel have gone to the private homes of senior military officers. They have also tried to contact family members and chase stories not related to professional duties. The ministry sees this behavior as deeply inappropriate. It could compromise the dignity, privacy, and safety of those involved.

Public Roles and Private Lives

Senior officers are in the public eye because of their leadership roles in ongoing operations like Operation Sindoor. However, the focus has gone beyond professional coverage and into their personal lives.

The advisory reminds everyone that while armed forces personnel have public roles, their families are private citizens. The ministry emphasizes that these families must be treated with respect and sensitivity.

Rules for Media Conduct

To guide media conduct, the ministry issued a simple list:

• Do not visit or try to contact the private homes or families of serving or retired armed forces personnel for personal stories or interviews. Do this only if invited or cleared through official channels.
• Avoid sharing personal details. This includes residential addresses, photographs of family members, or other non-operational information not in the public interest.
• Focus media coverage on professional and operational aspects of armed forces activities and leadership. Avoid speculative or intrusive reporting on private lives.
• Respect the boundaries of privacy and operational confidentiality. This is especially important during active operations or times of heightened national security.

Thanks for Media’s Role

The ministry knows the media is important. It shapes public understanding of national security matters. They appreciate the media’s continued interest and support in covering the activities, achievements, and sacrifices of the Indian armed forces.

However, the ministry asks all media stakeholders to keep high standards of responsible journalism. This is especially important during sensitive times like Operation Sindoor. They repeat their commitment to transparent and constructive engagement with the media. They will also respect the personal space and dignity of those who serve the nation and their families.