In Indian-held Kashmir, authorities have banned the beaming of Pakistani channels in north Kashmir and directed the cable operators in Baramulla and Sopore to block five Pakistani news channels and a religious channel with immediate effect. According to a report by the Kashmir Media Service, Bobby Singh who runs the cable operation in north Kashmir said that the Baramulla district magistrate directed cable operators on Friday evening to stop beaming the Pakistani state-run TV channel, and four private TV channels. "The authorities have also directed us to block a Pakistani religious channel," he added. "The authorities have given no reason for banning the Pakistani channels," he added. Baramulla Deputy Commissioner Bashir Ahmed Butt confirmed imposition of the ban.