Srinagar, Sep 5: Since the onset of Holy month of Ramadhan, some nameless TV channels, which nobody claims ownership of, are running on the cable networks in the summer capital of Srinagar.

 While most of the programs telecast by these local networks are a copy of programs aired by some prominent satellite channels, a few are “objectionable”, the viewers have complained.

 The viewers who have seen the “objectionable” content said such programs could incite sectarian clashes.

 Interestingly, the channels, which go air round the clock don’t bear any name but only keep on airing the religious programs.

 And the best part of the telecast technology is that even if the cable network goes off, the channels continue to run distortion free.

 This has raised apprehensions in the minds of viewers with religious scholars seeking a scrutiny of the content aired.

 On Sunday various organisation flayed the state government for failing to stop telecast of ‘provocative programmes’ against different sects on some local cable TV networks, stating that these were aimed at fomenting sectarian divide.

 In a statement, president Ithadul-Muslimeen Moulana Muhammad Abbas Ansari expressed concern that some nameless local TV networks, which nobody claims ownership of, were running some programmes.

 “These programmes are aimed at creating a divide between people of different sects in Kashmir. It is a conspiracy and people behind these acts should be exposed and punished,” Ansari said.

 President Anjuman-e Sharie Shian, Aga Syed Muhammad Fazlullah Al-Moosvi, has also expressed concern over telecast of “provocative programmes”.

 In a statement, he termed it a “well-hatched conspiracy” to create sectarian hatred.

 Aga Fazlullah asked the government to ban all the channels telecasting such provocative Programmes.

 “This is attack on the very concept of Islamic unity and an attempt to disturb sectarian harmony in the valley,” he said.

 Terming it matter of concern, the Broadcasters Association of Kashmir has decuded to call a meeting of all cable operators on Tuesday.

 A spokesman of the association said the meeting would decide on the whole range of the programs to be telecast.

 When contacted the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Asghar Samoon, said he had no information about such programmes.

  “I will ask the DC to look into the matter on priority basis,” Samoon told Greater Kashmir.

 The District Development Commissioner, Meraj Ahmed Kakroo said the matter would be seriously looked into.

 “I will definitely look into the matter on priority basis and make sure that  such channels are closed down,” he told Greater Kashmir. 

Lastupdate on : Sun, 5 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 5 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Sep 2010 00:00:00 IST