In a strong initiative after the Pahalgam terror attack, India has shut down 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including heavyweights such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News, for broadcasting "provocative, communally sensitive material" and spurious information aiming at India's security machinery. The channels together have 63 million subscribers, and they were shut down based on the recommendation of the Union Home Ministry due to national security reasons.
The move follows days of an attack by Pakistan-based terrorists where 26 individuals, mostly tourists, were killed in the Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The outlawed channels are said to have propagated anti-India messages, falsely blaming security personnel and spewing polarizing propaganda following the attack. Top journalists such as Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, and Umar Cheema had their channels blocked.
The administration also scolded the BBC for a headline it felt blamed India for the attack and called for corrective measures. In addition to digital restrictions, India canceled the Indus Water Treaty and visa services for Pakistani citizens, indicating a tougher stance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to "razed terror havens," as security personnel continue to be on their guard in face of ongoing ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the LoC.
The bans are India's approach against hybrid warfare, where diplomatic, economic, and digital methods are utilized to isolate Pakistan globally.
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