The recent Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 individuals, including tourists and locals, led to swift action from the Indian government. The Ministry of Home Affairs, backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, recommended the blocking of multiple X accounts (formerly Twitter) associated with Pakistani journalists suspected to be linked to Pakistan's ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations) and ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence). These accounts were accused of spreading fake news, anti-India propaganda, and communal misinformation.

The attack on Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, saw tragic losses, with victims including two foreigners from UAE and Nepal. The Indian government acted quickly to control the narrative and prevent the spread of harmful and inaccurate content on social media platforms like X and YouTube.

Disinformation Campaign
The Ministry's action came after consistent reports that Pakistani-affiliated accounts were involved in creating and circulating false narratives about India, its armed forces, and its internal stability. These actions were not only harmful but posed a threat to national security by spreading misinformation during a highly sensitive time.

Khawaja Asif and BBC Coverage
The Indian government also took a firm stance against Khawaja Asif, the Pakistani Defence Minister, whose X account was blocked due to his history of admitting Pakistan's role in funding terrorist organizations. This admission was seen as an open confession on international platforms, further escalating tensions. India's UN representative, Yojna Patel, pointed out that Pakistan's actions exposed the country as a “rogue state” that fuels terrorism globally, destabilizing regional peace.

In a related development, the BBC faced criticism for its coverage of the attack, particularly over its use of the term “militants” to describe those involved in the attack, a term that the Indian government believes downplays the terrorist nature of the attack. The article headline, which mentioned “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians” in the aftermath of the attack, was also flagged by the Indian government for its biased undertones.

Social Media Control
In addition to blocking Pakistani X accounts, India also took down 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major media outlets such as Dawn News, ARY News, BOL News, and GEO News. These channels were accused of spreading provocative, anti-India content aimed at inflaming tensions and spreading disinformation. The Indian government emphasized that these media outlets were not just independent news sources but were involved in state-backed propaganda designed to disrupt peace in India.

The government's swift action reflects its growing concern over the influence of social media in shaping public opinion and its ability to distort facts in the wake of terror attacks. The Pahalgam incident served as a flashpoint, highlighting the need for tighter control over foreign-based media operations that could undermine national security and social harmony in India.

Response from Pakistan
In retaliation, Pakistani officials have remained steadfast, with some labeling India’s actions as politically motivated censorship. However, India's stance remains clear: “We will not tolerate any action that threatens our sovereignty, security, or integrity,” a senior Indian official stated.

The situation also brings to the forefront the increasing challenges posed by digital diplomacy. As the global battle for information dominance intensifies, governments are increasingly resorting to controlling narratives on social media to protect their national interests.

Conclusion
India's proactive measures in blocking social media accounts and YouTube channels affiliated with Pakistani state-run entities mark a significant escalation in the use of digital warfare to counter cross-border terrorism and propaganda. As global tensions rise, the role of information control and cyber diplomacy will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping international relations and national security policies.

This move by India serves as a stark reminder of the growing power of digital platforms in conflict zones and the need for nations to protect their information sovereignty while confronting challenges posed by cross-border disinformation campaigns.

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