• Sahanara Sultana
• 28 Apr, 2025

India has taken a bold stand against Pakistan, issuing a ‘Leave India’ notice to its citizens and banning 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative content after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Despite the violence, fearless tourists are flocking to Kashmir, declaring, “We Won’t Let Terror Win.” This article explores India’s crackdown, the resilient spirit of Kashmir’s visitors and the digital strike.

Details & Context
In a sweeping move, India’s Union Home Ministry has ordered all Pakistani citizens to leave the country by April 29th, 2025 following heightened tensions after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 tourists. Those on medical visas must depart by April 29th, while others including those under tourist visas have until April 26, per Hindustan Times. Non-compliance could lead to three years in prison, a ₹3 lakh fine or both as announced by Home Minister Amit Shah who instructed state chief ministers to enforce the deadline, per The Times of India.

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Simultaneously, India launched a “Digital Strike,” banning 16 Pakistani YouTube channels including Geo News, Samaa TV, ARY News and even former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s channel for spreading “provocative and communally inciteful content” post-Pahalgam attack. These channels, with a combined 65 million subscribers were flagged for anti-India propaganda and derogatory remarks against the Indian Army, per India Today. Accessing these channels in India now displays a message: “This content is not available in this country due to national security reasons,” per NDTV.

The Pahalgam attack one of the deadliest in recent years has fuelled India’s crackdown. X posts from @ANI (April 25th, 2025) confirm the Home Ministry’s petition led to the YouTube bans, targeting channels that glorified the attack or spread misinformation. The government also issued a warning to the BBC for avoiding the term “terrorist” in its Pahalgam coverage, labelling it a “militant” attack instead, per The Indian Express. Despite the violence, tourists are defying fear with many visiting Kashmir and Pahalgam, as reported by Zee News.

Quotes

·      Amit Shah, Union Home Minister (Hindustan Times, April 25th, 2025): “No Pakistani citizen should remain in India after the deadline. States must ensure strict compliance to protect national security.”

·      X User @KashmirUpdates (April 27, 2025): “Tourists are pouring into Kashmir despite the Pahalgam tragedy. Their message: Terror won’t stop us.! #KashmirTourism #DefyFear”

·      Local Tourist in Pahalgam (Zee News, April 26, 2025): “We’re here to show the world that Kashmir’s beauty is stronger than terror. We won’t let fear win.”

·      X User @IndiaFirst (April 26, 2025): “India’s digital strike on Pakistani YouTube channels is a masterstroke.! No more anti-India propaganda. #QuitIndiaNotice #PahalgamAttack”

Additional Information
The ‘Leave India’ notice and YouTube bans are part of India’s response to escalating cross-border tensions, exacerbated by the Pahalgam attack which targeted civilians in a popular tourist spot. Web sources like The Hindu report that the banned channels were accused of inciting communal hatred and praising the attackers, with some alleging Indian Army failures, per X posts from @BharatNews. The Home Ministry’s swift action reflects India’s zero-tolerance policy toward propaganda, building on earlier bans of 102 apps and channels in 2022, per Economic Times.

Kashmir’s tourism surge is a remarkable counterpoint. Despite the attack, hotels in Srinagar and Pahalgam report high bookings, with 20% more visitors in April 2025 compared to last year, per India Today. X posts from @TravelKashmir (April 27th, 2025) highlight tourists’ resolve, with many sharing photos of serene landscapes and slogans like “Kashmir Will Win.” The BBC’s coverage, criticised for softening the attack’s framing, has drawn scrutiny, with India demanding accountability, per Firstpost.

The YouTube bans have sparked polarised reactions on X. While @IndiaProud praises the move, @PakMediaWatch claims it’s “censorship,” though such views are less prevalent. The channels’ removal aligns with India’s IT Rules, 2021, allowing content blocking for national security, per The Indian Express. The Pahalgam attack has also revived calls for stronger border security, with Shah announcing enhanced surveillance, per ANI.

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Impact Analysis

·      Social Impact: The ‘Leave India’ notice and YouTube bans have rallied nationalist sentiment with X users like @DeshBhakt trending #QuitIndiaNotice. However, it risks alienating Pakistani civilians, particularly those seeking medical treatment, potentially fuelling anti-India narratives, per Dawn. Kashmir’s tourism boom signals resilience but raises safety concerns, with local guides urging better security, per Zee News.

·      Economic Impact: The notice could disrupt Indo-Pak trade and medical tourism, with 1,200 Pakistani patients treated in India annually, per The Hindu. The YouTube bans may hit Pakistani media revenue, given their 65 million subscribers while boosting Indian platforms, per Business Standard. Kashmir’s tourism surge supports local economies, with ₹500 crore in revenue projected for April 2025, per India Today.

·      Political Impact: The crackdown strengthens the BJP’s tough-on-terror image ahead of elections, but opposition parties criticise it as “divisive,” per The Times of India. Internationally, the BBC warning may strain India-UK ties, per Firstpost. The bans align with India’s push for digital sovereignty, potentially influencing global content moderation debates, per The Guardian.

·      Security Impact: The Pahalgam attack underscores persistent terror threats, with 26 civilian deaths highlighting gaps in tourist safety, per NDTV. The YouTube bans aim to curb propaganda but critics on X warn of escalating cyber-tensions, per @CyberSecIndia.

India’s ‘Leave India’ notice to Pakistani citizens and the ban on 16 YouTube channels mark a decisive response to the Pahalgam attack and anti-India propaganda. While the digital strike curbs provocative content, Kashmir’s fearless tourists send a powerful message: terror won’t dim the region’s allure. As tensions simmer, unity and vigilance are key to securing India’s future.

Call to Action (CTA)
Support Kashmir’s spirit and stay updated on India’s bold moves.! Follow and share The Daily Hints for the latest news. Join the conversation on X with #QuitIndiaNotice and stand against terror.!