India Pakistan Conflict History: Indo -Pak wars have made it clear that information is not only news, it is a weapon – which can either connect or break the nation. The war between India and Pakistan was not only fought on military fronts, but it has also been complex wars of information control and psychological influences. Along with the echo of bullets on the borders, brain rust also go on, including maintaining the morale of the soldiers, giving direction to the opinion of the general public, and strengthening their position in front of the international community. At such a time, the media becomes another unseen front of war, where every news, every picture, and every word is used as a strategic weapon. Therefore, governments often limit media freedom during the war, so that the flow of information can be controlled and the national interest can be protected. When this control takes the form of an organized policy, it is called media censorship or information control.
Meaning and purpose of media sensorship
Media censorship means – to investigate and control news, reports, photos, videos or any type of information before the government. Its main purpose is:
Prevent military secret information from leaking
Do not give strategic benefits to enemy country
Prevent fear or confusion in public
National unity and morale
Information control during India-Pak war 1947-48
The first Kashmir war between India and Pakistan in 1947-48 was the first war after independence, which was fought on the issue of Kashmir. At that time, information technology and media networks in India were very limited, but the central government controlled the spread of information keeping national security in mind. All India Radio (AIR) was the main government medium of information broadcasting at that time, through which most of the news and government announcements reached the public. During the war, special control was placed on the news related to the border areas so that Pakistan could not know the status or strategy of the Indian Army. Also, newspapers were allowed to report on the basis of government bulletin or press notes only to avoid leaking of uncomfortable or sensitive information. All this was part of the general and essential military and government strategy of that time, which is considered correct and suitable in the historical context.
Role and censorship of media in 1965 war
By the 1965 Indo-Pak war, media, especially radio and print media, had developed more than before, although the access of television was still limited. In this era, All India Radio (AIR) was a major medium of information spread and it was fully operated under government control. During the war, Air was used not only to give news, but also as a psychological weapon. While Pakistan started propaganda against India through ‘Radio Pakistan’, India also gave an effective reply through Air. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) used to issue regular press notes during the war and the media was allowed to report on the basis of these government bulletins. The press under the ‘Defense of India Rules’ was strict control – the publishing of the information related to the army damage or strategy was completely banned and the censorship was strictly applicable. In addition, war reporters were also allowed to move to limited areas to ensure that only controlled and strategically appropriate notifications were public.
Indo -Pak war of 1971 – peak of information war
The 1971 war was a decisive war between India and Pakistan, after which Bangladesh was born. In this war, information control and media censorship was at its peak, but at the same time the information warfare was revealed as a strategy.
India successfully denied Pakistan’s false propaganda in this war.
‘All India Radio’ launched special programs called ‘Truth Ki Awaaz’, in which the people of East Pakistan were made aware of the reality.
Pakistan’s ‘Radio Pakistan’ spread wrong news about the Indian Army, but the Indian media responded with facts.
The Government of India controlled the activities of journalists during the war and allowed only the information that was compatible with the war policy.
The visuals and photos of the war were also chosen carefully, so that the morale of the soldiers and the sentiments of the public had a positive effect.
Kargil War 1999 – From censorship to transparency
The Kargil War was the first war in India that was widely ‘televised’ by private news channels. Channels like NDTV, Aaj Tak, Zee News made 24×7 live reporting, causing this war to reach the general public immediately and widely. Technological progress and increased access to media made it a decisive turn in Indian media history. For the first time, the countrymen watched the events of war directly on TV, which strengthened public opinion, nationalist spirit and support for the army. Although in the initial phase of the war, the government tried to control information by imposing temporary restrictions on Pakistan’s channels and online news sources, but due to media activism, the boundaries of censorship became clear. The media raised public support and morale of soldiers by highlighting the bravery of soldiers, the pain of the families of the martyrs and the spirit of patriotism. Although some reporting, such as live coverage of Tiger Hill Operation, was also criticized, the media introduced responsibility and balance with full view. To ensure national security, the government also adopted measures like ‘Media Advisory’ and limited restrictions.
Hidden secrets and evasive of information censorship
Many times important facts were not revealed on time due to sensorship. For example, the 1965 War History Report mentioned India’s strategic papers, which were not published for decades. On 27 May 1999 in Kargil, information about the loss of two Indian Air Force aircraft was officially stopped by evening, leading to an edge in campaigning for Pakistan.
Journalists’ challenges and struggle with the government
Reporting during the war was risky for journalists. Censorship, field access, and government pressure made reporting difficult. The press was limited independence in 1971, but in 1999 journalists were taken to the ‘Controlled Tour’. Some senior journalists criticized government information policies and warned that considering the media as an enemy could be a threat to democracy.
Pakistan’s information policy
Pakistan also kept strict control over the media during the war. The 1963 Press and Publications Ordinance and later were pacified by intimidating newspapers and journalists under the Army regime. In 1971, three major newspapers of Dhaka were closed. But journalist Anthony Maskarenhas went to London and exposed the massacre in Bangladesh, which pushed Pakistan’s image internationally.
Freedom of national interest vs press
This question is always in discussion during the war, how much freedom should be given to the media and where it becomes necessary to control it. On the one hand, media freedom is considered to be the cornerstone of democracy, on the other hand national security is paramount. If a report during the war ends the army strategy or safety of soldiers, it becomes necessary to control it. However, it should also be ensured that the censorship is not misused and the transparency of democracy remains. The government’s argument is that the leak of sensitive information can cause strategic damage, while critics believe that transparency is the soul of democracy. Experts are also of the opinion that as long as the media remains independent, responsible and accountable, he can play the role of an ally for the national interest, not the obstruction.
New forms of information control in modern era
In today’s digital age, censorship is not limited to TV and newspaper only. Mediums like social media, blogs, YouTube have empowered to spread war -time information immediately. In such a situation, governments now control information in the following ways:
Social Media Blackout – Closing the internet in the struggle area.
Digital Content Monitoring – Removing misleading or confidential information from platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
Fact -checked units – PIB fact checks are activated to prevent misinformation.
Information management through press briefing.
Information needs balance in the era of war
It is clear from history that communication of information has become a decisive weapon of war. It is not possible to completely control the media, nor is it appropriate. Media and military system should work as partners in democracy like India. War is not only to win, but also to protect its image, justice and human values.
In today’s digital age, when a tweet can shake the whole country, the media and the government are required to understand that not suppressing the information, but a restrained transparency is in the long -term interest.
