In the wake of Zakir Naik controversy, the Central government appears to strengthen its hand over private broadcasters. The government on Saturday asked states to ensure that TV channels which are not permitted to downlink in India are not broadcast by cable operators, a move that apparently comes against the backdrop of controversy over Zakir Naik’s speeches on Peace TV.

According to an advisory from the I&B Ministry to the states, there have been reports of “security threats due to TV content” aimed at inciting communal and terrorist violence.

“In particular, reports are being received of such content being broadcast through private satellite TV channels, such as Peace TV channel, which are not permitted by this ministry for downlinking into the country…the role of your state government in this regard is crucial,” the two-page advisory said.

Besides other penal provisions, the equipment of such cable operators can be seized by the district authorities, the advisory said.