NEW DELHI: An unruly group of Shiv Sena activists attacked the office of Zee ‘TV in South Delhi last Monday over the broadcasting of an interview with Pakistan occupied Kashmir chief on Sunday’s episode of Aap Ki Adalat. According to a statement issued here, Zee TV officials maintained that about 12 persons had come to their office to invite the Aap Ki Adalat host Rajat ‘Sharma for a program in the Chandni ‘Chowk. When the receptionist asked them to leave the invitation, the group insisted that they wanted to see Mfr. Sharma.

When Mr. Sharma arrived, the group. Forcibly entered his office and broke window panes, damaged computers and other office furniture at the Zee News headquarters. They threatened to kill Mr. Sharma if he continued to broadcast such programs, claimed Zee TV. The Zee TV statement termed the incident as an attack on the freedom of Press and that they would not get cowed down such threats. The statement indicated that they would continue to broads cast such programs in national interest. Delhi Shiv Sena chief Jai Bhagwan Goel said though he was not aware of the incident, he had no regrets about it. “We had requested them on Saturday, not to air the program and they had screened it on Sunday, despite the assurances by Mr. Jawahar Goel, a top Zee TV official.” he said.

He said their problems against Zee TV. Started when the Channel had presented J&K leader Yasin Malik in Aap ki ‘Adalat. “We have only demanded that the channel should stop broadcasting programs that are not in national interest he said.

In addition to this, Mr. Goel alleged that the channel was also broadcasting a program called “Red Card” which too ‘went contrary to national interest. “We have to put a stop to these and programs and we have no regrets of doing what we did,” he added.

The Shiv Sena leader also stated that the channel was also planning to start airing the Friday prayers as the Jama Masjid. “We have demanded that the channel should also air programs of “Aartis” in the main temples of the city,” he said. The police have, however, registered a case of rioting, threat to life and other sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Article extracted from this publication >>  January 10, 1996