Militants offer gun salute to slain ally PAK, SAUDI TV CHANNELS THAT ‘INCITE VIOLENCE’ TAKEN OFF AIR
SRINAGAR: Cable network subscribers in most parts of Kashmir said several Pakistani and Saudi channels were not being transmitted on their televisions, a day after the J&K government asked district magistrates to ensure that 34 illegal channels were not shown on cable networks.
The May 6 order came a day after information and broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu expressed concern over reports that these channels, many of which propagate hardline Islam and indulge in anti-India propaganda, were being broadcast without the government’s permission. Their transmission, said the order signed by principal secretary (home department) RK Goyal, was against cable TV rules and district magistrate had the power to seize equipment in case of a violation. It added that such channels have the “potential to encourage or incite violence and create law and order disturbance in the Kashmir Valley”.
Topping the list are Urdu and English channels of Peace TV of Islamic preacher and televangelist Zakir Naik, who is facing multiple terror and foreign funding probes. Some of the channels are from Pakistani networks such as ARY, PTV and GEO. Islamic channels like Karbala TV, Ahli-biat TV, Noor TV and Hadi TV are also mentioned in the order.
Cable operators cannot beam channels not permitted by the ministry. Private cable networks, which beam a lot of Pakistani and Saudi channels, are popular, though satellite services such as Tata Sky and Airtel are also available in the Valley.
On Sunday afternoon, authorities told Hindustan Times that the ban was being implemented while residents, subscribing to different cable networks, gave a varied response regarding channels they were not receiving.
Some Srinagar residents said most Pakistani news channels were not accessible while Peace TV English and Urdu both were, while others said none of the 34 channels were displayed.
Some, however, said all the 34 channels were still being transmitted while sources say by Monday the blanket ban should be implemented.