Pak, Saudi channels go off air in J&K RIGHTWING OUTFIT BURNS EFFIGY OF J&K CM MEHBOOBA
VALLEY CRISIS Cable operators say many, particularly Urdu and English channels of Peace TV of Zakir Naik, are not available
Cable network subscribers in most parts of Kashmir said several Pakistani and Saudi channels were not being transmitted on their televisions, a day after Jammu and Kashmir government asked district magistrates to ensure that 34 illegal television 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 TV evangelist 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. Several Islamic channels like Karbala TV, Ahli-biat TV, Noor TV and Hadi TV are also mentioned in the order along with a sports channel and a music channel.
Cable operators cannot beam channels not permitted by the information and broadcasting 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 HT 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 said all the 34 were being transmitted while sources say by Monday the blanket ban should be implemented.
“The cable operators had stopped broadcasting Pakistani channels-- mostly 24x7 news like the ARY group—after the unrest began after the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani. The channels were back, however, recently before being taken off air after the Saturday’s order,” a Srinagar resident said.
Muneer ul Islam, deputy commissioner, Pulwama, told HT that in his district the ban was successfully implemented and soon after receiving the order he had asked operators to adhere. He added that most of the channels on the list were not being transmitted for a long time now.
On social media, many Kashmiris criticised the move. Political analyst Gowhar Geelani tweeted: “This is hilarious. Pakistani sports channels and drama serials incite violence.” Blogger Muhammad Faysal wrote: “Apparently my mother has been radicalised by the daily dose of Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai.”
Members of a rightwing Hindu outfit on Sunday took out a protest march and burnt an effigy of Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufi over her “failure” to check stone-pelting on security forces in the state.
Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Suraksha Samiti (ABHSS) activists also burnt a flag of Pakistan, which it said “is promoting cross-border terrorism and is responsible for the beheading of two Indian soldiers on the Line of Control on May 1”, the police said.
Led by ABHSS Punjab unit chief Deepak Bhardwaj, the protesters took out the march from Hanumangarhi temple and converged at the Sugar mill crossing on the National Highway 1.
They shouted slogans against Mufti, Pakistan and ISI- sponsored terrorists, and burnt the effigy of the J&K chief minister.
Traffic on the highway was briefly hit due to the protest, the police said.
Bhardwaj accused Mufti of being hand in glove with stone pelters and hobnobbing with anti-national elements.
The protesters demanded that her government be dismissed and Governor’s rule be imposed in the state.
They warned that Kashmiri people or vehicles from the state will not be allowed to enter Punjab if the Amarnath Yatra was disturbed this time.