MUMBAI: Five channels operating in Kashmir have been ordered to go off the air on account of their content which is apparently leading to a law and order problem in the state. The district magistrate (Srinagar) has issued a warning to cable TV operators to stop retransmitting KBC, Gulistan TV, Munsiff TV, JK Channel and Insaaf TV, failing which they will be punisheable under the the Cable Television Networks (Regulation Act, 1995).

“Cable operators in Srinagar are transmitting various programmes which have created law and order problem in the Valley and Srinagar, as they transmit programmes which promote hatred, ill-will, disharmony and a feeling of enmity against the sovereignty of the State…

programmes which have the potential of causing mental and physical harm to particular functionaries of the government,” said the magistrate’s order.

It’s quite likely the cable TV trade in the Valley will comply. But policing and punitive action will have to follow, if the order has to yield results, say industry observers.