Show cause notice to FM radio for racist remarks

New Delhi, Sep 29 (UNI) The Information and Broadcasting Ministry today asked Red FM Radio to explain by Monday evening why action should not be taken against it for airing racist remarks against the Ghorka community, following the selection of Prashant Tamang as 'Indian Idol', which led to violence in Darjeeling and other nearby areas.

The show cause notice, returnable by 1600 hrs on October 1, was issued to Digital Radio (Delhi) Broadcasting Limited, which runs the FM channel.

In a statement here, the Ministry said it was prima facie evident that the racist remarks were in violation of the programme code of All India Radio.

''As per para 11.2 of the Grant of Permission Agreement, the Digital Radio (Delhi) Broadcasting Limited were supposed to follow the programme code of All India Radio which prohibits any programmes attacking communities, anything defamatory, incitement to violence and anything against law and order,'' the statement said.

The notice was issued following complaints by the West Bengal Government and others.

''The Gorkha community has reacted strongly to the remarks by the Radio Jockey protesting the stereotyping as racist and insulting.

''General strikes have been called in several places such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sukna in protest and to maintain law and order Army and Para Military forces were required to be deployed.

''In Siliguri, it has led to violent clashes between communities leading to loot, arson and injuries to many persons. Police had to open fire and curfew has been imposed to bring the situation to normalcy,'' the statement said.

UNI