KOCHI: In the wake of Operation Sindoor, illegal walkie-talkies are being sold on online platforms despite the instructions issued by the central government. These walkie-talkies don't have a license from the Department of Telecommunications and a government-approved frequency. Event management, shooting crews, and construction contractors are buying them en masse without knowing the reality. Authorised manufacturers will only sell their stocks with legal warnings.
Illegal walkie-talkies operate on de-licensed frequencies, which pose a security threat. There is a possibility of miscreants misusing this for anti-national activities. These have a range of up to ten kilometres. During Operation Sindoor, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs had issued notices to 13 leading e-commerce platforms in this regard. Guidelines were also issued at the end of May to prevent illegal sales.
A warning should be posted on sales sites regarding legal action for using unlicensed devices. If unauthorised sales continue, there is a provision for heavy fines under the Consumer Protection Act.