Srinagar, Feb 12: Cable television news channels, which were banned in Kashmir Valley following 2010 summer unrest, have resumed operations despite the ban being still in place, official sources said.
 Several cable TV news channels have resumed airing news and current affairs programs in Pulwama and Shopian districts of south Kashmir as well in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, they said.
 According to Waheed-ur-Rehman, chief executive officer of HBN channel Pulwama, the main focus areas of these channels are group discussions on issues relating to governance, corruption, public grievances and development needs.
 Operation of cable TV news channels was banned in Kashmir Valley in 2010 as authorities were of the opinion that certain telecasts were fuelling protests. The channels were also accused of indulging in black mailing and other unethical practices like ‘paid news’.
 However, the state government has said it has no intention of revoking the ban. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in June last year had categorically said the ban would not be revoked.
 Meanwhile, Rehman met Governor NN Vohra, who asked him to ensure that his channel contributed in a big way towards securing sustained normalcy and speedy development.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 IST