Days after ban, barred TV channels continue to run

Several Islamic, cultural and culinary channels are continuing their transmission on many cable networks in Kashmir, days after government ordered a ban on 34 non-permitted television channels running in the strife-torn Valley.

The government’s May 6 order, signed by principal secretary (home department) RK Goyal, had said the transmission of these channels was against the cable TV rules and district magistrate had the power to seize the equipment in case of a violation.

Topping the list are Urdu and English channels of Peace TV of controversial Islamic preacher and TV evangelist Zakir Naik. Some of the channels from Pakistani networks and other Islamic channels are also mentioned in the order along with a sports channel, two culinary channels and a music channel.

Khateeb Hussain, who runs a cable business and is a member of Cable Operators’ Association of Kashmir, asked, “Why ban channels which telecast pure Islamic content or teach cooking recipes?”

He said that ban on Islamic channels will lead to a lack of demand for the local cable providers as the brands like Tata Sky and Airtel do not beam such channels.

However, Srinagar deputy commissioner Farooq Lone downplayed any opposition from the cable operators and told HT, “The order is being implemented.”