Pahalgam terror attack: Govt bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for anti-India content, writes to BBC on its reportage

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After the Pahalgam terror attack, as many as 16 Pakistani YouTube channels were blocked for allegedly disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content as well as false and misleading narratives against India, its Army and security agencies, officials said on Monday, reported news agency PTI.

The decision was taken following recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

The government has also sent a formal letter to BBC over it terming terrorists "militants" in its reportage on the Pahalgam tragedy, reported PTI.

"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 attack in Jammu and Kashmir," officials said, reported PTI.

The YouTube channels that have been blocked are: Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, SAMAA TV, ARY NEWS, BOL NEWS, Raftar, The Pakistan Referenc, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News and Razi Naama, reported PTI.

This news comes amid rising tensions with Pakistan in the backdrop of the tragic terror incident on April 22, where 26 people lost their lives near the Baisaran Meadow, a popular tourist destination in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir.

This attack marks one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which resulted in the deaths of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM on Monday.

This meeting comes a day after Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan briefed the Defence Minister on the key decisions taken to counter Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the incident, NIA teams have been stationed at the site since April 23 and have intensified the search for evidence. Additionally, the Indian Army is on high alert, launching several search operations to neutralise the terrorists following the attack in Pahalgam.

On April 23, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met to take steps regarding the attack, condemning it in the strongest terms and expressing their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoping for the speedy recovery of the injured.

(With inputs from PTI)