Cable channels resume operation in Kashmir after 3 days

Srinagar, Mar 15 (UNI) Cable TV operators in the Kashmir valley resumed operation which remained paralysed for three days due to heavy snowfall.

However, the telecast of three English channels and viewing of Kashmiri songs remain suspended from March 5 following the ban by two militant outfits-Al-Madina and Al-Badr.

The cable operators resumed viewing of all channels after damaged wires were repaired in the city.

The operation was affected after one to two feet of snowfall damaged wires and other equipment.

The militant outfits threatened to attack broadcast installations if the ''obscene programmes'' were not immediately stopped.

The Kashmir Cable Network (KCN) had already stopped the telecast of three channels--Star Movies, Star World and Sony Pic--from March 5 because of the militants'threats.

A number of other channels, including AXN, HBO and some other foreign channels showing obscene programmes have already been stopped since last year.

Last year, cable operators in Kashmir suspended operations after militant groups threatened to launch suicide attacks on their centres.

However, they resumed transmission after the ban was lifted.

About a dozen cable operators were also attacked by unknown gunmen in the valley during the past three years.

UNI