Cable operators in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which are feuding again about the Hognekal issue, have decided to keep politics at bay and continue airing both Tamil and Kannada channels.
The Karnataka Cable Television Chamber of Commerce has decided against the blacking out of Tamil channels in Karnataka.
Suresh Alva, a cable operator from Bangalore, told rediff.com that blacking out Tamil channels in Karnataka would disturb peace and harmony. There is no point in clubbing politics and entertainment together, he said.
Alva added that the cable operators had received communication from their counterparts in Tamil Nadu, stating that Kannada channels will not be taken off air in their state. However, Kannada channels in certain parts of Tamil Nadu have reportedly been blacked out, to protest against the recent anti-Tamil violence in Karnataka.
But cinema hall owners in Karnataka have decided against screening Tamil movies in their theatres. They point out that during violent protests, the first target that incurs the wrath of protestors are the cinema halls screening Tamil movies.
The cable operators in Bangalore feel that it is not fair to deprive viewers of their favourite programmes. "We live in a democracy and each one has the right to view what he/ she wants to. The political aspects are separate and the state governments can take care of the issue," Alva said.
Cable operators, who had a tough time in convincing some Kannada activists about their decision, have decided that Tamil channels would be blacked out on the day of the Karnataka bandh. The bandh date has not been finalised as yet and activists say that it will be held either on April 10 or on April 12.
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, which has been staging protests since day one, has said that they would try and convince cable operators to black out Tamil channels. If they fail to do so, the Vedike activists have threatened to hold protests in front of the cable operators' offices.