As the crackdown begins on media outlets publicly displaying their affinity towards Pakistan and pushing a certain agenda regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, the Centre has started taking action. In a move, the Indian government has banned 16 YouTube channels, including Pakistan’s No. 1 channel, Dawn News. The Centre slammed the BBC for using ‘militants’ instead of ‘terrorists’ in its coverage of the Pahalgam attack, where 26 tourists were killed. The government has reportedly sent ‘strong sentiments’ in a letter to the BBC India head Jackie Martin.
BBC Under Fire For Misleading Titles
In one of its reports, BBC titled the story, “Pakistan Suspends Visas for Indians After Deadly Kashmir Attack on Tourists.” The headline triggered widespread backlash and criticism on social media.
Outlook Managing Editor Sandipan Deb retweeted the BBC report, commenting, “Wow. BBC makes it sound like India killed Pakistani tourists in Pahalgam! How much lower can they fall?”
Another user, Vanamali, tweeted, “Can’t tell the difference between @AlJazeeraWorld and @BBCWorld.”
Social Media Response
“BBC has mastered the art of bias for massacres. Be it in Kashmir by LeT or in Gaza by Israel. Shameless,” posted yet another social media user.
Some even pointed out that the BBC should stop using the term “Indian occupied Kashmir” for Kashmir. “BBC, you need to stop using Indian occupied Kashmir and follow some journalistic standards!” A few have even called for a ban on BBC India.
Pakistani YouTube Channels Banned
Following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and other measures aimed at downgrading Pakistan, the Indian government has reportedly banned several Pakistani YouTube channels in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including Dawn News, Samaa TV, Ary News, and Geo News. The government banned these channels for spreading provocative and communal content, false narratives, and misinformation about India, its military, and security forces in connection with the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Why This Crackdown?
Government sources say they took action to stop the spread of harmful and misleading content targeting India and its security agencies after the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam.
This action follows India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty after discovering terror links to Pakistan in the Pahalgam attack. The government asked Pakistanis living in India to leave by Sunday, and those on medical visas must return by Tuesday.
In response, Pakistan has suspended all agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement. Tensions have increased along the Line of Control, with Pakistan regularly violating the ceasefire and provoking Indian troops.
