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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Press TV banned in Kashmir

By: Johan Simith
Srinagar, Sept 14: Indian authorities on Monday banned the Iran based world's famous  TV cannel Press TV which had aired a clip about alleged desecration of holy Quran in United States yesterday.

Addressing  a news conference here, the Chief Secretary, S S Kapur today said the Government of India as well as State Government had condemned the proposed move of Pastor Terry Jones to desecrate holy Quran. The good sense prevailed with intervention of concerned authorities of United States that Pastor Terry Jones cancelled forever the proposed condemnable action. He quoted news item of Press TV where it was Pastor Terry Jones was quoted saying. However, Chief Secretary said that it was surprising that only this Television Channel “Press TV” based in Iran, one unknown individual was shown without verification or any authenticity desecrating holy Quran, which seems to be deliberate act and conspiracy to instigate innocent sentiments of people.

He said that he verified from Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India, the authenticity of the “Press TV”. He was informed that this channel is not at all listed among registered channels being aired in India.

He said, therefore, the District Magistrate Srinagar has been asked to issue orders for immediate banning of the un-authorized channel. He said that no other reliable channel of world or of India had aired such commendable images of desecration.

He said that even if such act has occurred at any individual level it is an act which is strongly condemnable and provoking the sentiments of innocent people by deliberate telecasting such images are also against the ethics.

Describing the report of the said channel as totally against the public interest, the Chief Secretary said that this unauthorised and unregistered channel (Press TV) has been banned in all other districts of the state forthwith. He said it seems from the reports of the channel that there is a game plan to provoke and incite the sentiments of people to achieve their nefarious designs.

Kapur also appealed the media to extend their cooperation to the administration in arresting such rumours being aired to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the State.

The Chief Secretary further said that as a result of these rumours, a violent mob of people set ablaze a building of the branch of Tyndale Biscoe School at Tangmarg. He said peaceful demonstrations were also held at Kargil and Budgam.
He said that contribution of Biscoe School in Educational arena of the state particularly in the valley has always remained remarkable. Therefore, burning the prestigious institution of Tangmarg imparting education to the people of the area is also an unwarranted act.

The Chief Secretary said that the people of the state are facing tremendous problems as a result of turmoil for last several months, therefore, these incidents should not be allowed to flare up to cause further inconvenience to public at large. He added that miscreants should not take law into their hands.(Writer-South Asia)