Govt seeks to sensitise TV coverage on J&K issue

New Delhi, Aug 19: The Union Government is looking at ways of sensitising television channels who have proven to be counter productive in the Jammu and Kashmir issue. The first step would be to call a meeting of the editors of major news channels and discuss the issue.

It has been found that several channels had been putting out a narrative that has proven to be counter productive when it comes to maintaining peace in the Valley.

The Valley has been under curfew since the past 42 days and in several cases it has been found that some television channels have in fact done more harm than good for the state.

Reports of some channels changing the narrative or provoking the agitators have come to the notice of the Union Home Ministry.

Sources say the immediate step would be to hold a meeting with the channel editors and work out a solution on how to avoid worsening the situation. Officials say that ways would be found to sensitise the coverage of the Kashmir issue.

Ban on Pellet guns

The Home Ministry is soon to announce a ban on the use of pellet guns. While the Centre is set to ban the use of pellet guns, there are other alternatives that are being studied. So far three other alternatives have been studied and a decision on the same would be taken once the expert committee set up by the home ministry submits its report.

The government feels that a ban on the use of pellet guns may calm the nerves of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This is likely to open up a way of holding talks with the people and ensure that the situation returns to normal.

However, the ban will be enforced once an alternative solution to pellet guns is found.

On Thursday the CRPF had told the Jammu and Kashmir high court that it is difficult to follow standard operating procedures on use of weapons, given the dynamic and mobile situation. The high court is hearing a petition seeking a ban on pellet guns.

OneIndia News