I&B MINISTER SOUNDS WARNING

Minister of state for information and broadcasting M.A. Naqvi has said that the government should take the strictest legal action against television channels if they telecast programmes that could be labeled anti-Indian.

Naqvi has taken umbrage to the airing of an interview with rock band A Tribe Called Quest, which appeared on MTV News. The rock band has been known to be associated with a "free Kashmir" campaign. Other bands such as De La Soul and Black Star have also been mentioned as supporters of a free Kashmir and whose music videos have been telecast on music channels. Naqvi added that the government may consider issuing a notification banning liquor advertising on television. The liquor industry has in recent times drawn up a code under which liquor commercials are telecast only after 9 PM. Two commercials - for Bacardi and Knockout beer - have even been censored. The minister, however, says this is not enough as live one-day cricket telecasts are extending late into the night.

The government is also considering bringing in more strictures as far as endorsements for liquor brands by celebrities are concerned. Several liquor firms have been using sports and film stars to endorse their brands or products bearing the liquor brandname.