The Very Low Power Transmitter (VLPT) was not only airing the DD programmes but it had also kept the PTV off Kupwara town.

What has kept the DD programmes off air is a minor technical fault in its transmitter. The DC convertor of the transmitter has broken down and has not been repaired for a month.

The sale of antennas receiving PTV are picking up. The VLPT was installed here to air the DD services and also counter the `Pakistani propaganda' in the frontier district. However, the transmitter centre was not fully equipped and no engineer was deputed to look after the transmitter.

The transmitter is dependent on solar power and it often breaks down. The damaged electric charger is not being repaired, while the diesel generator is of no use fornon-availability of fuel.

Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, in-charge of the centre, says the authorities have never issued fuel to make the generator functional in winter. He said that he had already sent the broken-down convertor to Srinagar for repairing, but even after 20 days they could not repair it.

``I am facing the wrath of youth who could not watch the recent concluded Pepsi triangular cricket series. Many a times I was harassed by the people for not airing the DD programmes. They think I have deliberately done it,'' says Sheikh.

Being close to PoK, luring viewers in Kupwara has always been easy for PTV. Many people preferred its religious programmes.

It was reported that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had already decided to upgrade the VLPT into a high-power transmitter at Kupwara and instal a VLPT at Keran near the LoC to counter the Pakistani propaganda. Though it was scheduled to be installed in January-February, it has been delayed.