Kashmir producers demand probe into DD 'bunglings'

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR, NOV. 15. Kashmir media producers have demanded a CBI probe into the alleged bunglings in Srinagar Doordarshan particularly in its much publicised Kashir channel.

Welcoming the raids on the premises of DD officials, the Kashmir Media Producers Association demanded a thorough probe into the ``bunglings'' in the allotment of programmes in the Srinagar Doordarshan centre. Naming the controller of programmes of the channel, the association in a statement said, ``the officers at the helm have resorted to brazen corruption in the allotment of programmes for DD Kashir for the last 11 months.''

Alleging large scale irregularities which had gone unnoticed for many years now, the association said, ``some local Prasar Bharti officials in league with Mandi House bosses are plundering huge amounts from Government exchequer in the name of commissioning of programmes for Kashmir channel.''

Demanding a CBI probe into these bunglings, the KMPA urged the authorities to immediately swing into action and seize the records of the channel, which it claimed, would unearth crores of rupees. The association alleged the programmes were allotted to outside producers having no knowledge of Kashmir's culture but continued to call the shots in programme making. Though the Kashmir channel was started with much fanfare primarily to counter Pakistani propaganda over Kashmir, it has so far failed to have an impact on the masses. Genuine producers strongly resent the ``unaccountable era in Doordarshan.'' At the same time, serious concern is also being expressed over the inaction of the top Prasar Bharti authorities, particularly the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, who are being misled on the pretext of fighting a ``proxy war'' in Kashmir. It is just a machine for churning out favours for their kith and kin or agents and has not served the purpose, said a producer.

The producers also demanded a probe into the assets of DD officials. It is learnt that the officials had built a number of palatial houses in Srinagar, Jammu and other parts of the country and invested crores of rupees in business with like- minded partners, clandestinely, under the name of their distant relations of close acquaintances. Of late, the DD authorities have started pampering select group of people to publicise their ``achievements'' in ``bringing the people of Kashmir back to the mainstream.'' The activities of the officials have been confined to organising ``cultural'' shows for the ``bosses'' just for diverting their attention from the malpractices.

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