District authorities have banned telecast of Pakistan TV (PTV) channel through cable operators in Meerut till January 25, 2002, to check anti-national publicity. The authorities also imposed prohibitory orders in the district and said prior permission should be obtained for holding new year parties, functions, public meetings and processions during the period. The order, issued last night by district magistrate Avneesh Awasthi, comes close on the heels of a demonstration by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists against PTV, which they alleged was spreading communal hatred.
Bureau Report