New Delhi [India], April 28 (ANI): India has announced a ban on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative, communally sensitive content, and misinformation against India, its military, and security agencies. This action follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people. These channels have a combined following of over 63 million subscribers.
The ban came after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recommended the action. “On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has banned several Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false narratives, and misinformation against India, its Army, and security agencies following the tragic Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir,” government sources told ANI.
The banned channels include well-known names such as Dawn News, SAMAA TV, ARY News, BOL News, and Geo News, along with other channels like Irsha Bhatti, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, SAMAA Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Sirazi, Mujeeb Farooq, Suno Newz, and Razi Naama. In addition to the YouTube channels, action has been taken against misleading social media posts.
The Indian government has also filed a formal complaint with the BBC, raising concerns over its portrayal of the Pahalgam incident, particularly the language used to describe the terrorists involved. A formal letter was sent to the BBC India Head, and the government will continue to monitor the network’s coverage closely.
This move follows the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking over the Pahalgam terror attack investigation on April 24. The NIA team, which arrived at the attack site on April 23, has been intensifying its search for evidence. The team, led by an IG, DIG, and SP, is questioning eyewitnesses and thoroughly examining the area for evidence related to the deadly attack, which occurred on April 22 and left 26 tourists dead, including a Nepali national.
The NIA’s investigation is crucial, as it is expected to uncover vital evidence that will help identify those responsible for the attack and dismantle the terror network behind it. Security agencies are also focusing on dismantling the support systems that facilitate cross-border terrorism.
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies have compiled a list of 14 local terrorists who are believed to be actively aiding foreign terrorists from Pakistan. These individuals, aged between 20 and 40, are reportedly linked to major Pakistan-backed terror groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Authorities are focusing on disrupting these local terror networks and preventing further violence in the region.
The identification of these local terrorists comes after the authorities released sketches of the five terrorists involved in the deadly Pahalgam attack. Three of the terrorists are Pakistani nationals, and two are local operatives. A bounty of Rs 20 lakh has been announced for information leading to their arrest.
(ANI)
About The Author
