Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, Apr 28: In a significant move, the Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels accused of spreading misleading, provocative and communally sensitive content.

The decision, announced on April 28, follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The banned channels include prominent names such as Dawn News, Geo News, and Samaa TV, among others.

Here's the list of other banned channels: ARY News, BOL News, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News HD, Razi Naama and Irshad Bhatti.

According to official sources, these channels were disseminating false narratives targeting India's national security, foreign relations, and public order.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended the ban, citing the channels' role in spreading misinformation and inciting communal disharmony. Together, these platforms had amassed millions of subscribers and were influencing public opinion through unverified and misleading content.

The Pahalgam attack, orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF), has escalated tensions between the two nations. In response, India has taken a series of retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

The ban on YouTube channels is seen as part of India's broader strategy to counter cross-border propaganda and safeguard its digital space.

While the move has been praised by many for its boldness, it has also sparked debates about freedom of speech and the role of governments in regulating online platforms. Critics argue that such actions could set a precedent for censorship, while supporters emphasise the need to combat misinformation in the interest of national security.

As the situation unfolds, the ban serves as a reminder of the growing importance of digital platforms in shaping geopolitical narratives and the challenges of maintaining a balance between security and freedom in the digital age.

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