As tensions flare across the Line of Control (LoC), the Ministry of Home Affairs, on Saturday, May 10, has issued a stern advisory to all media channels, directing them to refrain from using civil defence air raid siren sounds in broadcasts, except when used for community awareness drives. The move follows growing concerns that routine media use of sirens, especially during the coverage of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and cross-border hostilities, could lead to public desensitisation and confusion during real emergencies.
The advisory, issued by the Directorate General of Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards, invokes powers under Section 3(1)(w)(i) of the Civil Defence Act, 1968 (prohibiting the printing and publication of any newspaper, news-sheet, book or other document containing matters prejudicial to civil defence).
It warns that repeated, non-official use of air raid sirens in news bulletins, teasers, and sound design could diminish public responsiveness in the event of an actual air threat.
“Civilians may misunderstand the siren as a routine media cue rather than a real alert during an actual air raid,” wrote Umesh Sharma, Additional Director General (Civil Defence-Communications), in the letter addressed to the ADG, Media and Communication, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The advisory comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, launched after the attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 persons. Several television news networks have been using dramatic sound cues, including air raid sirens, to stylize their coverage of these hostilities.
Addressing the media on Saturday, May 10, Colonel Sofia Qureshi confirmed that Pakistan deployed unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAFs), loitering munitions, long-range weapons, and fighter aircraft to target installations across Jammu and Kashmir.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh warned that Pakistan appears to be mobilising for further escalation. “The Pakistan Army has been observed moving its troops toward forward areas, indicating an offensive intent,” she said, adding that India’s armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness.
Pakistan also attempted multiple air intrusions using drones and shelled civilian areas using heavy artillery. Civilian casualties have been reported amid intense exchanges of artillery, mortar, and small arms fire in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor sectors.