Srinagar admin directs cable ops to stop transmitting 30 banned TV channels

The Srinagar district administration has asked cable operators in Kashmir valley to immediately shut the ‘banned private satellite channels’ for maintaining peace and tranquillity in the region.

The additional district commissioner (ADC), Srinagar in an order dated 12 July has accused cable operators in the valley of transmitting unpermitted and banned private satellite channels within the jurisdiction of Srinagar district.

The order issued by the ADC Srinagar to cable operators reads, “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. 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 further reads that now, therefore, in the 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 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”.

The media reports state that all Kashmir cable operators have called an emergency meeting in Srinagar to chalk out the future course of action.