The Union government on Monday banned several Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content.

“On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has banned following Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against India, its Army and security agencies in the backdrop of the tragic Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K),” the Union government said.

The banned YouTube channels include Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News HD, and Razi Naama. All these YouTube channels have 63 million subscribers combined.

Meanwhile, the central government has also formally conveyed the country's strong sentiments to Jackie Martin, India Head of the BBC, regarding their reporting on the terror attack. “Formal letter written to BBC on terming terrorists as militants XP will be monitoring the reporting of BBC,” the government said.

The crackdown on YouTube accounts comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack that they will get justice. “The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will face the harshest response,” Modi said in the 121st episode of ‘Mann ki Baat’ on Sunday. “The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam has left every citizen heartbroken. Every Indian feels deep sympathy for the families of the victims. A person may belong to any state or speak any language but he feels the pain of those who lost their loved ones in this attack,” said Modi.

“In this war against terrorism, the unity of the nation, the solidarity of 1.4 billion Indians is our greatest strength. The very unity is the basis of our decisive fight against terrorism. We must strengthen our resolve to face this challenge to our nation,” the prime minister said.

“We as a nation must demonstrate strong willpower. Today, the world is watching that after this terrorist attack. The entire nation is speaking one voice. The rage that we Indians are feeling, is being felt in the entire world,” said Modi.

After the terror attack, condolences are continuously pouring in from around the world. “Global leaders have called me, written letters and sent messages. Everyone has strongly condemned this heinous terrorist attack. They expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The whole world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism,” the prime minister said.