India has blocked access to 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including prominent news outlets, for disseminating provocative content and misinformation following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The action, recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to curb the spread of false narratives that could incite communal tensions and threaten national security.
The banned channels, collectively amassing over 63 million subscribers, include major Pakistani media outlets such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News. These platforms were found to be circulating content that misrepresented the Pahalgam incident and propagated anti-India sentiments. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued the blocking orders, citing the need to prevent the dissemination of content that could disrupt public order.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir, targeted Hindu tourists in the Baisaran Valley. The assailants’ actions have been widely condemned, with Indian authorities attributing the attack to Pakistan-based groups. In response, India has taken several measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and closing major border crossings.
The blocked YouTube channels were reportedly involved in spreading conspiracy theories, including claims that the Pahalgam attack was a false flag operation orchestrated by India. Such narratives have been amplified on social media platforms, with AI-generated content further distorting the events. One manipulated video depicted a grieving woman appearing to celebrate, while another showed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in chains, allegedly captured by men in Pakistani police uniforms.
India’s actions have extended beyond YouTube. The government has also expressed concerns over the BBC’s coverage of the Pahalgam attack, particularly the terminology used to describe the perpetrators. A formal letter has been sent to the BBC, conveying India’s strong sentiments regarding their reporting. Similar objections have been raised with other international news agencies, including the Associated Press and Reuters.
The escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan has raised concerns about potential military conflict. Both nations have a history of disputes over the Kashmir region, and the current situation has further strained diplomatic relations. Pakistan has denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack and has accused India of staging the incident to create a crisis in the region.
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