'No Restrictions On Newspapers, TV Channels In Valley'

The government said that the restrictions were imposed on the internet, mobile and landline telephones so as to prevent the dissemination of ‘rumors and fake propaganda. The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that there are no restrictions on newspapers, TV channels or the radio in the Valley.

In an affidavit filed in the top court on a batch of petitions questioning curbs, the J&K administration said that major newspapers are being published in Jammu and Kashmir and various national news dailies are also being distributed in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh division. The affidavit also said that Dish TV, Doordarshan, local channels, Radio Kashmir and FM are also airing normally in the Jammu and Kashmir. The affidavit also mentioned that many media persons have visited the valley and done various stories.

Media facilitation Centre has also been established by the Department of Information and Public Relations on August 7 which is providing facilities like telephone, Internet connection, computer, printer, and others, it stated. It added that 100 percent of mobile voice phone services have been restored in Jammu and Ladakh and 10 percent in Kashmir.

The government has opened Internet Kiosks at the offices of Deputy Commissioners in Kashmir Valley for use by common people.

The affidavit also said that Section 144 of CrPC, which bars assembly of more than 4 persons at a place, has been withdrawn in all the police stations.

There are 105 police stations in Kashmir, 90 in Jammu and 7 in Ladakh. The restrictions had been imposed on August 4, a day ahead of the Central government moving a resolution in Parliament to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370.