Editorial Policy
This policy describes how Himalayan Observer reports, verifies and presents the news. It applies to everything we publish, whoever writes it and however it is produced.
Accuracy and verification
- We publish only what we have good reason to believe is true, and we attribute information to its source.
- We check names, figures, dates and quotations before publication, and we take particular care with information from social media.
- Consequential claims are cross-checked against primary sources (official records, documents and statements) or more than one reliable source wherever possible.
- When information cannot be verified, we leave it out or state clearly that it is unverified.
Sources
- We name our sources wherever possible. When information comes from a news agency, another publication or an official statement, we say so.
- We use anonymous sources only when the information is important, cannot be obtained on the record, and the source has a reason for anonymity that we can explain to readers. At least one editor knows the identity of every anonymous source.
- Quotations are reproduced faithfully. If a quotation has been translated or shortened, we make that clear.
Allegations
Allegations are reported as allegations, attributed to the person or body making them. We do not present an accusation as a finding, or a charge as a conviction. People and organisations facing serious allegations are given a fair opportunity to respond, and their response is reported.
News, analysis and opinion
News reports aim to be neutral. Analysis explains the meaning and implications of events. Opinion pieces argue a point of view and are labelled as opinion; the views of contributors are their own. Opinion is still held to our standards of factual accuracy.
Defence, security and conflict
We report on defence, security and conflict with care for accuracy and for lives. We attribute military claims, casualty figures and intelligence assessments, distinguish official narratives from verified facts, and do not publish operational details whose disclosure is prohibited by law or would put people at risk.
Sensitive subjects
We do not identify victims of sexual offences or children in conflict with the law, as required by Indian law, and we take care with reports of suicide, communal tension and violence.
Conflicts of interest
Our journalists declare any personal, financial or political interest in a story to their editor, and do not report on matters in which they have such an interest. We do not accept payment or favours in exchange for coverage.
Images
Photographs and graphics are captioned and credited. We do not alter news photographs in ways that mislead. AI-generated images are always labelled as such; see our AI Policy.
Corrections and complaints
See our Corrections Policy and Grievance Redressal.