Early Times Report
Jammu, May 23: Tightening noose around portal based news channels, the district Ramban administration on Monday asked the police to check legal portal news channels operating without registration and verification.
In a communique addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, and District Development Commissioner Ramban, has brought to the notice of the police department the mushrooming growth of illegal and unregistered portal-based news organizations operating through various social media platforms, especially Facebook, which are seen spreading propaganda, fake news and also indulging in blackmailing of Government functionaries in the district.
“On most of the occasions, they are seen interfering in smooth running of the administrative affairs and planting anti-Government stories which are largely aimed at maligning the image of the administration and always portraying them in bad light,” he said in a letter.
The Deputy Commissioner further said a large number of District and Sectoral Officers have complained of harassment at their hands and stated that many self-proclaimed media persons, without carrying any authentic identification, barge into their offices and start recording videos and posting them in various social media groups.
If channels and journalists operating these illegal portals remain un-checked, there is every apprehension of emerging law-and-order situations which have the potential to disturb the peaceful fabric of the district.
“In the larger interest of the general public, it is requested to identify all such fake media groups which are operating without any proper registration in the district,” he said adding that it is also advised to verify the antecedents and source of funding of all so-called journalists who operate these illegal portals without any valid degree, qualification and authorization from the competent authority.
“The list of all such ‘media organisations’ and so-called journalists may be shared with his office for taking further necessary action in the matter,” said the Deputy Commissioner.
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