Srinagar, July 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered based cable operators to immediately shut the telecasting and transmitting the prohibited satellite channels in the Valley for ‘maintaining peace and tranquility.’
An order issued by the additional district commissioner (ADC), Srinagar, dated July 12, and was sent to all heads of cable operators in Srinagar.
The order accused the cable operators of “telecasting and transmitting unpermitted and banned private satellite channels within the jurisdiction of Srinagar district.”
“J&K government, home department, vide Ps/home/2018-60 dated July 2, 2018, has reported that you are telecasting and transmitting unpermitted and banned private satellite channels within Srinagar,” read the order.
“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 said now, therefore, in an exercise of powers conferred by section 19 of Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 “you 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 ADC Srinagar. In case the cable operators fail to submit the affidavit, the order reads “action under the provision of CTN (regulation) act 1995 will be taken against you”.
KCC&I concerned, asked JK Govt to take up the matter with I&B
Srinagar, July 18: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) Wednesday voiced concern at the prohibition on transmission of particular channels by the State.
The State Government has directed cable operators to stop transmission and telecast of around 30 channels.
“We have been given to understand that some of these channels may be prohibited by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Most of these channels are predominantly religious or news channels with a huge following amongst the Muslim majority of Kashmir,” President KCC&I, Javid Ahmad Tenga said in a statement.
“In case it is felt that some channels are a threat to peace and tranquility of the State, they may be identified and banned, but we see no reason to prohibit the transmission of channels related to religion and news,” he said.
Tenga added that KCC&I shall also take up the issue with the I&B Ministry.
“In the meantime, the State Government needed to identify particular channels which pose a threat and the rest of the channels should be allowed to be transmitted. It needed to be appreciated that a large number of employment is generated in this sector and such prohibitions would adversely impact this sector. This also infringes upon the religious freedom of the majority community of our State and the State Government is requested to take up this issue with the I&B Ministry as well,” he said.
