Jammu & Kashmir govt shuts down 30 TV channels for pushing anti-India propaganda

By Rohit Goja | First Published Jul 18, 2018, 4:21 PM IST

The order comes days after the government banned 22 social media sites in Kashmir stating that anti-nationals were spreading objectionable information through these platforms

The Jammu and Kashmir government has instructed local cable operators in the Valley to immediately shut down over 30 non-permitted satellite channels.

The channels, including Pakistani channels GEO, ARY, QTV, and Peace TV, were shut down in the larger interest of public and maintenance of peace and tranquillity.

The order comes days after the government banned 22 social media sites in Kashmir, stating that anti-nationals were spreading objectionable information through these platforms.

An order issued by the additional district commissioner, Srinagar, dated 12 July, was sent to all heads of cable operators in Srinagar.

“Jammu and Kashmir government, home department, vide Ps/home/2018-60 dated 2 July, 2018 has reported that you are telecasting and transmitting unpermitted and banned private satellite channels within Srinagar,” the order read.

It also mentioned, “It has become necessary and expedient in the larger interest of public and maintenance of peace and tranquillity to prohibit (you) from transmitting non-permitted TV channels (which are not permitted by the Union ministry of information and broadcasting).”

The order also stated that by exercising powers conferred by section 19 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, the local cable operators "are hereby directed to immediately stop telecasting/transmitting non-permitted TV channels/banned private satellite channels within three days”.

The cable operators also have been asked to furnish the notarised affidavit before the additional district magistrate, Srinagar. In case the cable operators fail to submit the affidavit, “action under the provision of CTN (regulation) Act, 1995 will be taken against you”, the order said.

Meanwhile, cable operators of the Valley have called for an emergency meeting to discuss the issue.

“We have been told to shut down the broadcast of 30 satellite channels. This order is unwarranted and uncalled for. We might shut down the cable services if this order is not revoked,” said a cable operator from Srinagar.

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Jammu & Kashmir govt shuts down 30 TV channels for pushing anti-India propaganda

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