Press TV still off air in Kashmir

A senior Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) official says although the English-language Press TV is still off air in Indian-administered Kashmir, residents read news on its website.

Press TV has been extensively covering the demonstrations by the people of Kashmir who have been out on the streets demanding independence and freedom, Head of the IRIB World Service Mohammad Sarafraz told IRNA.

Press TV also aired footage of a large number of protesters being killed by Indian forces, the IRIB vice president added.

He said that the demonstrations and protests, which were a daily occurrence in Kashmir, were intensified after reports on desecration of the Holy Qur’an were broadcast by Press TV.

“Around twenty people were killed in the protests,” said Sarafraz who is also the CEO of Press TV.

“In order to justify this massacre, the [Indian] government claimed the demonstrations had been incited by Press TV and took the channel off air.”

Regarding the Arabic-language satellite channel, iFILM, which was launched a few days ago, Sarafraz said, “We have received very positive feedback from the audience.”

The recently launched iFILM is run by the IRIB World Service and broadcasts Iranian movies and TV series dubbed in Arabic 24/7.