Srinagar: Authorities in Kashmir have urged greater vigilance following repeated complaints of blackmail and extortion by individuals posing as journalists.
In a communication to all district information officers in the Valley, Joint Director Information (Kashmir) Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari said that several field officers, public representatives, and media organisations have reported cases where certain persons are falsely claiming to represent various media outlets.
He said that in multiple instances, such individuals have misused the name of the media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of unverified or defamatory content against public institutions and officers. “In some cases, these individuals have been apprehended and booked for extortion and misuse of media identity, underscoring the seriousness of the issue,” Bukhari noted.
To curb such activities, Bukhari directed all district information officers to remain alert and implement measures such as maintaining and regularly updating a verified list of accredited and bona fide journalists in consultation with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and recognised media houses.
The officers have been instructed to ensure that press releases, media invitations, and official briefings are shared only with verified journalists and recognised media outlets through official communication channels. They have also been asked to closely monitor and promptly report any person or organisation misusing media credentials, attempting coercion, or maligning officials or institutions for personal or financial gain.
The directive further called for close coordination with deputy commissioners and police authorities in such cases, and for submitting factual reports without delay to the office of the Joint Director.
Bukhari advised all district offices and departments to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to represent a media organisation before sharing information or extending hospitality.
He also asked district information officers to submit periodic vigilance reports highlighting incidents, field inputs, and preventive measures taken. Additionally, he urged them to sensitise local media houses and advise editors to engage only qualified, credible, and authorised correspondents, ensuring proper verification and issuance of ID cards.
Media houses, the communication said, should take disciplinary or legal action against representatives found engaging in unethical, coercive, or defamatory practices, and publicly disassociate from individuals misusing their credentials for personal gain.
Finally, editors have been advised to avoid legitimising individuals facing credible allegations of blackmail or extortion and to uphold the Press Council of India’s code of ethics and DIPR accreditation guidelines.
