Narendra Modi government may withhold ads to Jammu and Kashmir papers

NEW DELHI: The Centre is mulling on not releasing government advertisements to 10 newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir after a survey has pointed out that the contents in the publications are detrimental to national interest. The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity has a policy of distributing government ads to small and large newspapers.

An analysis carried out by security agencies have indicated that these papers, Urdu and English, have been taking an anti-India stand in the Valley. Their reports and opinion pieces allegedly incite violence. The editorials in these papers also were accused by the analysis of supporting separatist ideology.

The Union Home Ministry held a meeting recently where the proposal to withhold ads was mooted. A final decision would be taken after MHA holds consultations with the I&B Ministry under which DAVP falls, the state government and the IB. MHA ADG (Media), KS Dhatwalia confirmed to ET that a meeting was called to discuss the proposal. “A discussion was held but no decision has been taken. DAVP advertisement are given as per guidelines.” There are more than 35 Union ministries and public sector units who advertise in these papers, said an official. Some of these newspapers have very low circulation, he added.

The Centre hopes that the state government would rein in the newspapers trying to create trouble.