Authorities launch crackdown on 'fake journalists' in Kashmir

Authorities in the Kashmir Valley have initiated a comprehensive exercise to identify and curb the growing menace of "fake journalists", days after the Jammu and Kashmir government warned of strict action against individuals misusing the identity of media professionals.

On October 31, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) issued an order directing the District Information Officers (DIOs) of both Jammu and Kashmir divisions to maintain close surveillance over such individuals and take necessary action in coordination with district administrations and police authorities.

The order noted that repeated complaints had been received about individuals “posing as journalists or correspondents of various media organisations without any formal accreditation or authorisation.” It added that many such persons were found “misusing the name of the media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of unverified or defamatory material against public institutions and officers.”

Following the directive, several districts across the Valley have begun identifying self-styled journalists operating in their jurisdictions.

In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, authorities have asked all mediapersons to submit their credentials within seven days. The order stated that the move aims to protect the sanctity of journalism and curb the “growing menace of fake journalists,” thereby creating a transparent system for bona fide media professionals to operate in the district.

“It is further notified that only those media persons who are duly validated and authenticated by this office will be allowed to attend official government functions, press conferences, and cover visits of VIPs/VVIPs within the district. Unauthorised or unverified individuals will not be entertained under any circumstances,” the order read.

A similar directive has been issued by the Kupwara district administration, while sources said other districts are also expected to follow suit to address the issue.

In recent years, authorities have expressed concern over a rising trend of individuals declaring themselves journalists by merely creating Facebook pages or YouTube channels, without any formal registration or professional experience. This phenomenon has raised alarm within both the journalist fraternity and the administration.

Several cases have emerged where individuals running such social media platforms have been found involved in extortion and blackmail. Last month, police in Baramulla arrested a man accused of misusing the title of journalist for such activities.

Officials also cited a recent incident during flood-like conditions, where misinformation spread by self-proclaimed “journalists” operating social media pages triggered panic in several areas.

The issue was reportedly discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, which was attended by deputy commissioners and senior police officers. Sources said the L-G directed officials to take firm action against fake journalists.

A senior J&K Police officer said the police will act upon receiving inputs from the civil administration. “The civil administration can identify who is a fake journalist operating in a particular area. Whenever we receive such cases, we have taken action in the past and will continue to do so,” the officer said.