SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has asked local cable operators to immediately shut at least 30 “banned private satellite channels” to “maintain peace and tranquillity” in the valley.

According to an order issued by Srinagar additional district commissioner (ADC) on July 12, cable operators have been asked to stop telecasting and transmitting “unpermitted and banned private satellite channels”, including Geo, QTV, Saudi Quran , Paigam and Peace TV Urdu, within the jurisdiction of Srinagar district in the next three days.

“J&K home department 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 TV channels which are not permitted by the Union ministry of information and broadcasting),” reads the order.

The cable operators have been asked to furnish the notarised affidavit before the ADC Srinagar, failing which “action under the provision of Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 will be taken against you”.

