Srinagar: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have asked the cable TV operators from Kashmir to stop broadcasting five news channels in Kashmir Valley, a move resented by the operators of these channels who claim that these are all satellite channels and don’t come under the purview of Cable Television Networks (Regulation Act 1995).
District Magistrate Srinagar in this regard has sent notices (vide order number Lgl/144-CrPC/4859-60) through SSP Srinagar to SEN Digital Network, JK Media Network Service and Take One Media asking them to block the news channels like KBC, Gulistan TV, Munsiff TV, JK Channel and Insaaf TV.
The order, a copy of which lies with news agency CNS issued by District Magistrate Srinagar reads: “whereas Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar has informed that Cable Operators operating in District Srinagar are transmitting various programmes which has created law and order problem in the Valley in general and Srinagar in particular as these cable operators transmit programmes which promote hatred, ill-will, disharmony and a feeling of enmity against the sovereignty of State. Besides some of the channels transmitted by the cable operators viz: KBC, Gulistan TV, Munsiff TV, JK Channel and Insaaf TV have started to telecast programmes which have potential of causing mental and physical harm to particular functionaries of Government. Besides, these programmes have caused feeling of prejudice to the maintenance of harmony and public peace.”
The order further reads that, “whereas, Cable Television Network (Regulation Act, 1995) provides a mechanism to regulate the operation of television network and in order to prevent the breech of peace and to stop incitement and instigation of the public to cause mental and physical threat to particular functionaries of the Government.”
“You are directed to stop telecasting/transmitting of the programmes of these channels failing which action as contemplated under the provisions of Cable Television Networks (Regulation Act, 1995) will be taken against you,” the order reads.
Meanwhile, expressing anguish over the government order the people associated with these channels told CNS that government should at least make a distinction between a cable and a satellite channel. “These are all satellite channels which are being aired from outside state of Jammu and Kashmir,” they said and added that Cable Act doesn’t apply to these channels. They further said that the move to bar these channels had “dented the claims” about the improving situation in the Valley.
“We only depict ground reality about Kashmir. There are some news channels which have become the mouth piece of the government and no action are being initiated against them,” Yasir Haneef and Ishrat Hussain on behalf of Munsif and KBC channels said.
Pertinently, the channels in question broadcast exclusive news bulletins on Kashmir affairs and they have become much popular among the viewers. (CNS)
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