Srinagar, Sept 6: In the wake of reports that some nameless cable channels were airing ‘provocative programmes,’ the Jammu and Kashmir Government Monday directed police to seal such channels immediately.
The development came a day after Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Uzma reported that some nameless channels were airing highly provocative programmes which had the potential to trigger sectarian clashes.
“I have written a letter to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, and asked him to seal all such channels in the city which are unauthorized,” said Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Meraj Ahmad Kakroo.
He said, “I have learnt in the press that some unauthorized channels were operating in the city. I took cognizance of the reports and hence directed the SSP to seal them.”
The channels have been airing “objectionable stuff” since the onset of the holy month of Ramadhan. Nobody claims ownership of these channels which are running on some cable networks in the summer capital.  Interestingly, the channels, which are on air round the clock don’t bear any name but only keep on airing the religious programs and if the cable network goes off, the channels continue to run distortion free.
While police have reportedly started investigation into the case, sources said they are clueless as to who runs the channels. “Police must investigate the matter sincerely and ascertain who runs these channels and how they air the programmes which have the potential to trigger sectarian clashes,” said an official of a prominent cable network in Srinagar.
“If police fails to nab the culprits, we have every reason to raise a question on the police itself. Last time, there were rumors that police was behind some channels and forcing them to air objectionable programmes.”
When contacted, SSP Srinagar, Syed Aashiq Bukhari, said, “I have received the letter from the Deputy Commissioner. We are investigating the matter.”
Bukhari, however, said nobody has been detained so far. “The matter shall be thoroughly investigated,” he told Greater Kashmir.
Pertinently, the airing of objectionable stuff by the channels had evoked sharp criticism from various political and non-political circles.
Ithadul-Muslimeen president, Moulana Muhammad Abbas Ansari has expressed concern on the matter.
“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.’
”It is a well-hatched conspiracy to create sectarian hatred,” he said.
Aga Fazlullah asked the government to ban all the channels telecasting such programmes.
Meanwhile, the Broadcasters Association of Kashmir has called a meeting of all cable operators on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 7 Sep 2010 00:00:00 IST