New Delhi, April 28: In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that claimed 26 lives, the Government of India has taken strong action by blocking 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative, communally sensitive, and misleading content targeting India and its security apparatus.
According to officials, the move follows recommendations by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and is aimed at curbing the dissemination of false narratives that could incite unrest or discredit national institutions. The channels were found to be promoting content that sought to exploit communal sentiments and distort facts about India, its Army, and other security agencies, particularly in light of the recent tragedy.
“On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has banned Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives, and misinformation against India, its Army, and security agencies in the backdrop of the tragic Pahalgam terror incident,” an official statement said.
The terror attack occurred on April 22 near the Baisaran Meadow, a well-known tourist spot in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. With 26 casualties, it is one of the deadliest assaults in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing that killed 40 CRPF personnel.
The YouTube channels that have been taken down include prominent names such as Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, SAMAA TV, ARY NEWS, BOL NEWS, Geo News, and GNN, among others.
In a related development, the Indian government has also lodged a strong protest against the BBC, criticizing its characterization of the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack as “militants” in its coverage. A formal letter has been sent to Jackie Martin, BBC’s India Head, expressing the country’s displeasure over the terminology used, which officials argue undermines the gravity of the attack and misrepresents the identity of those responsible.
“The External Publicity Division of the MEA will be monitoring the reporting of the BBC,” an official stated, signaling the government’s intent to hold international media accountable for perceived inaccuracies in coverage related to terrorism.
The steps underline New Delhi’s zero-tolerance approach to disinformation and its broader efforts to safeguard national security narratives in both domestic and international media landscapes.
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