Entertainment is back in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 14 (UNI) Three days after remaining off air, news and entertainment channels are back on TV screens in Kashmir after cable operators resumed services on a ''trial basis'' this evening following assurances by various militant and separatist outfits.

However, the cable operators have stopped airing AXN, Star Movies, Star World and Reality TV channels to comply with the directions of the militant organisations.

''We have resumed the services on trial basis after assurances by the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Harkat-ul-Mujaideen militant outfits.

They had asked us to resume the services and we have accordingly done so,'' a cable operator told UNI.

''As per the directions of the militant groups, we have stopped beaming channels such as AXN, Star Movies, Star World and Reality TV. These had been described as obscene channels,'' he added.

The operator said the services have been resumed on ''trial basis'' and they would ''wait and watch'' to see the reaction from the militant outfits.

''Now, we will see if the militant groups wanted the ban only on these four channels or the entire cable network across the Kashmir valley,'' he added.

(Eds: please pick up suitably from earlier series).

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