Govt asks cable operators to shut private satellite channels

SRINAGAR, (PTK): The Jammu and Kashmir government has asked the Kashmir cable operators to immediately shut the “banned private satellite channels” for the larger interests of “maintaining peace and tranquillity” in the valley.

According to an order issued by the additional district commissioner (ADC), Srinagar, dated July 12, 2018, sent to heads of cable operators in Srinagar, the cable operators have been accused 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,” reads the order issued by the ADC Srinagar to cable operators. “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 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.”