DIPR Orders Crackdown On Fake Journalists Misusing Media Identity

In a significant move aimed at tackling the growing menace of individuals posing as journalists to extort or coerce officials, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has issued a stringent directive to all District Information Officers (DIOs) across Jammu and Kashmir, calling for heightened vigilance and coordinated action against such activities.

- Observer News Service

According to the circular issued on Friday, the DIPR noted that it had received “repeated complaints” from field officers, public representatives, and media houses regarding individuals falsely claiming to represent media organisations. These individuals, the directive said, have been “misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of unverified and defamatory material against public institutions and officers.”