The District Magistrate of Ramban has sought verification of “unregistered” news portals operating through various “Social media” platforms and also demanding a verification of the “credentials” of journalists working with such organizations.
In a letter directed to the Senior Superintendent of Police for District Ramban, the DM Ramban has said, “Your urgent attention is invited towards the mushroom 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 blackmail of Government functionaries in the district.”
In the letter accessed by The Kashmiriyat, the DM has written, that 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. A large number of District & 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, the letter reads.
In light of above and in the larger interest of the general public, you are requested to identify all such fake media groups which are operating without any proper registration in the district. You are 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, it adds.
The list of all such ‘media organisations’ and so-called journalists may be shared with this office for taking further necessary action in the matter, the DM said.