After Pak, Indian and foreign channels also go off in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 25 (UNI) The cable operators in the Kashmir valley have stopped airing all Indian and foreign channels in retaliation to a ban imposed on four Pakistani Television channels by the district authorities.

However, the local channels were working normally.

The cable operators issued a 48-hour ultimatum to authorities to lift the ban on four Pak channels--Geo, ARY, PTV and Aaj-- otherwise they would suspend their operation in the valley.

The district authorities, while banning the airing of Pak channels in the valley with immediate effect, have warned that any cable operator found violating the ban orders will be booked under Cable Television Network (regulation) Act 1996.

The authorities said the ban order was issued on the directions from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The cable operators in retaliation stopped airing any Indian or foreign channel, including sports channels.

Thousands of cricket lovers said they were disappointed after they could not watch the T20 match between Decan Chargers and Rajasthan Royals at Hyderabad last night. However, those having dish said they enjoyed the game.

The cable operators in the Kashmir valley faced ban on Pak channels for the first time though their operations remained suspended during nineties because of threat from the separatists organisations.

A number of cable operators were killed and wounded after their installations were attacked by militants for airing some foreign channels, which they (separatists) feel were showing immoral programmes.

More UNI BAS AM RK1309