Local TV channel banned in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir government today banned a local TV channel for allegedly violating the Cable Television Network (Regulations) Act, 1995 by giving wide coverage to provocative speeches by seccessionist elements in the valley.

The ban, effective with immediate effect, has been issued by the district magistrate Srinagar and served to the 9 TV channel by the senior superintendent of police Srinagar.

Justifying the ban, the district magistrate in the order said, "9TV channel has been giving wide coverage to the provocative speeches and activities of secessionist elements thus creating law and order problem. The director of 9TV channel was advised to observe programme code as suggested under Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995 in letter and spirit but the channel flouted the rules time and again."

"While monitoring recent news bulletins and other programmes, it has been found that 9TV channel is showing stone pelting attacks on CRPF bunkers, statements of separatists and hartal calls in such a way which incite people to create law and order problems," the order said.