Action Likely Against Fake Media Groups, Journalists in Budgam.

District Magistrate (DM) Budgam has issued instructions to the police in the district to “identify” media houses spreading “fake news” and operating without proper registration.

In an official letter, addressed to SSP Budgam, the District Magistrate asked the Police to “identify all such fake media groups operating in the district without any proper registration, and also verify the antecedents and source of funding of all so-called journalists who operate these illegal portals without any authorization and furnish the same to this office, so that action as warranted under the relevant provisions of Law is taken against them.”

“It has been observed that there is unchecked growth of illegal/un-authorized/un registered Portal Based News Channels operating through various social media platforms in the District,” reads a government order.

It further said that, “Some of them are also indulging in misinformation campaigns and fake news against the government/administration. Some government functionaries also face harassment in the face of their activities. Such portals and persons involved need to be checked properly in order to avoid emergence of any Law and Order situation and ensure public tranquility.”