Peace TV affecting peace, says Venkaiah Naidu

India-based preacher Zakir Naik

Appealing to law enforcement agencies and citizens to remain vigilant, Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday that any content that “will vitiate the atmosphere of the country should be immediately reported”.

Naidu was referring to the debate over the screening of speeches by Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is said to have inspired some of those involved in the recent Dhaka terror attacks.

WATCH VIDEO: Dhaka Attack: Zakir Naik Says He Did Not Influence Anyone

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Naidu said that while law enforcing agencies should ensure a strict vigil, citizens must report to the I&B ministry as and when they find anything objectionable is being shown on a local channel. Adding that letters have been sent to state governments, he said, “We will alert those enforcing agencies or state level officers concerned. In recent days, the so-called Peace TV is affecting the peace. Some countries also banned that channel. Here, the question of a ban doesn’t arise because it is not permitted at all. They applied for permission in 2008 and appealed in 2009 and were rejected for security reasons… Do not allow any such thing to be telecast that will vitiate the atmosphere of society.”