Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 27:
The Manipur Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the State DGP AA Siddique pertaining to the ban on beaming of local programmes on the two local cable networks, ICTV and SEEN TV.
The proceedings followed a petition filed by Th Bishwarjit of ICTV and T Joymani of SEEN TV.
After registering the petition the MHRC comprising of its members, L Rabindra Singh, Yambem Laba and Kh Chonjohn asked the DGP to show cause as to why the Commission should not pass such orders as it deems fit so that the two local cable networks may carry out their function and beam local programmes according to the provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Rules framed thereafter.
The Commission also said the DGP's report should state whether any written order has been issued to effect the closure of local programmes and if so to enclose a copy of the same disclosing the name and designation of the issuing officer.
It asked the DGP to submit the reply within 48 hours and fixed July 30 for hearing the matter.
The petition said that the OC of City Police had on June 18 closed down the two cable networks but was allowed to resume beaming satellite programmes but had put a ban on beaming local programmes.
The police then made them sign even unauthorized undertakings that there should be a complete blackout of the coverage of the anti cease fire agitation along with verbal warnings that they should not resume beaming local programmes without the permission of the police.