The central government has sent a letter to BBC India head Jackie Martin, expressing concerns over their report on the Pahalgam terror attack. The government objected to the use of the term “militants” to describe the terrorists. According to sources from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will now monitor BBC’s reporting.

In a related move, the government has  also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including Ary News, Dawn News, Samaa TV, and Geo News. These channels have been banned for spreading false information and provocative content against India and its security forces, reported PTI.

The 16 Pakistani YouTube channels blocked by the government includes Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, SAMAA TV, ARY NEWS, BOL NEWS, Raftar, The Pakistan Referenc, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News and Razi Naama.

Pahalgam terror attack

The deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22 claimed the lives of 26 people, most of whom were tourists. It is considered the worst attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai 26/11 attacks, in which over 60 people were killed.

India’s response

After the Pahalgam attack, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned the incident and offered condolences to the victims' families. In response, India took strong measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty and closing the Attari Check Post.

Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, trade, and airspace for Indian airlines. It also closed the Wagah border post, cancelled Indian visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, and expelled military advisers from the Indian High Commission, mirroring India’s actions after the attack.

PM Modi vowed to punish the terrorists and those behind the Pahalgam attack, saying, “India will track down and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. Terrorism will never break India’s spirit.”

During his Mann Ki Baat programme, Modi assured the families of the victims that justice would be served and the attackers would face the harshest punishment. He also said that the terrorists aimed to destroy Kashmir and urged the nation to stay united. “The unity of 140 crore Indians is our biggest strength in this fight against terror,” he added, emphasizing the importance of national willpower.