Allow Al-Jazeera English to Downlink in India

At present, Al-Jazeera English channel remains virtually banned in India, as cable operators are not allowed to carry the channel. The ministry of I&B will have us believe that `security concerns' have prompted this decision. The claim was not substantiated with facts.

We, the undersigned, believe that Al-Jazeera English should be made available to the public in India by allowing the cable operators to carry the channel.

We believe that accusations against Al-Jazeera English are not correct. We also feel that this decision is a deviation from the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution of India. We therefore think that it is imperative that this network be allowed in India.

Al-Jazeera English has been accused of bias. Unfortunately all the news channels have, at some point or another, been accused of bias. All of these channels are, nevertheless, important, because they present different perspectives. As for the claim that there is pro-terrorism news, this simply is not true. There are anchors and journalists working for Al-Jazeera English from UK, USA and Canada. Many of them, like Sir David Frost, are renowned journalists. Al-Jazeera has earned respect even among many Western critics, as can be seen in these articles listed below:

- Why the world needs al-Jazeera English ( http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/dilip_hiro/2006/11/post_662.html )
- Mission Al Jazeera: From US Marine Officer To Foreign Correspondent (http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/17/3903/ )
- The battle for al-Jazeera (http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/faisal_bodi/2006/05/aljazeera_international_back_o.html)


In fact, India is not the focus of Al Jazeera at all. Al Jazeera English covers the whole world, and India is covered as just one of the important countries. Nor is Al Jazeera hostile to India.

Apart from news, Al Jazeera English reports about different cultures and people in different parts of the world, including India. It even did a report on the `dhobis' of Mumbai. Even if hypothetically, Al-Jazeera was excessively critical of India, which it isn't, there is nothing to be afraid of. We believe Indians are mature enough to handle different perspectives and make informed decisions for themselves.

We live in a free country and nobody is forced to watch anything. Nor should anybody be barred from watching something perfectly legitimate. Before banning a media outlet, it must be verified that the allegations against it are correct.

It has been suggested that Al Jazeera is being banned because of external pressure. If true, it is a shame on our sovereignty.

Therefore, we request that Al-Jazeera English be made available in India. It is a matter of upholding the constitution, no less. The government of India should immediately take back its ill-conceived action against the popular TV channel.