In a significant move, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative, communally sensitive content, and false narratives against India, its security forces, and the Army. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 people. The banned channels, collectively followed by over 63 million subscribers, include major names such as Dawn News, SAMAA TV, ARY News, BOL News, and Geo News, among others.
The government’s decision was made based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which stated that the channels were involved in spreading misinformation about the attack and India’s security agencies. Along with the YouTube channels, action has been taken against social media posts that misrepresented the situation.
In addition to the YouTube ban, the Indian government has written a formal complaint to the BBC regarding its coverage of the Pahalgam incident. Concerns were raised over the terminology used by the BBC to describe the terrorists involved in the attack. A letter was issued to the BBC India Head, and the government has vowed to continue monitoring their reporting closely.
The ban on these channels is part of a broader effort to combat misinformation that threatens national security and communal harmony. The action follows the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking over the investigation into the Pahalgam attack, which has been labeled as one of the deadliest in the region in recent years. The NIA is intensifying its probe into the attack, which involved three Pakistani terrorists and two local operatives.
The government’s moves reflect growing concerns over cross-border terrorism and the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of misinformation that fuels tensions in the region. As investigations continue, security agencies are focusing on dismantling the networks that support terrorism, both locally and internationally.