Cable operators in Srinagar have been directed by the district administration to stop airing five news channels in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly "inciting violence", reported PTI. The diktat came on Thursday when authorities claimed that the programmes broadcast by these five channels had led to a law and order problem in the Valley and promoted "enmity against the sovereignty of the state".

According to the order issued by Srinagar District Magistrate Farooq Lone, "These cable operators transmit programmes that promote hatred, ill-will, disharmony and a feeling of enmity against the sovereignty of state. Besides, these programmes have caused feeling of prejudice to the maintenance of harmony and public peace."

The five channels facing the order are Gulistan TV, JK Channel, KBC, Munsiff TV and Insaaf TV. The channel authorities, however, said the order was a violation of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, reported the Kashmir Reader. Yasir Haneef and Ishrat Hussain of Munsif TV and KBC said, "These are all satellite channels which are being aired from outside Jammu and Kashmir."