Srinagar: Baramulla Police on Thursday issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regulating media access during VVIP and VIP visits, official functions, religious gatherings and other events requiring police deployment.
According to the SOP, only journalists carrying valid identity cards issued by the District Information Officer (DIO), Baramulla, will be allowed entry to designated venues, media enclosures and other restricted areas.
Police personnel deployed at access control points have been directed to verify the identity cards of all media representatives before granting access. The SOP states that no person claiming to represent print, electronic, digital or social media will be permitted entry without a valid DIO-issued identity card.
The police said supervisory officers have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the SOP, which has come into effect immediately.
Baramulla Police appealed to media organisations and journalists to cooperate by carrying their valid DIO-issued identity cards while covering official events, stating that the measure is intended to facilitate orderly media coverage while strengthening security arrangements.