British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is under the Indian government’s scanner for its biased reporting on the Pahalgam terror attack. Centre has also pulled up the media company for using “militants” instead of “terrorists” in its report on the recent terrorist attack on innocent tourists in the Valley that killed at least 26 people. The government has reportedly sent “strong sentiments” in a letter to the BBC India head, Jackie Martin.

One of the reports, which the government found misleading, is titled “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists”. For those unaware of the actual events in Kashmir, the headline could easily be misinterpreted to suggest that tourists were attacked in Pakistan, and that Pakistan suspended visas for Indians in retaliation. The report drew heavy criticism on social media for its misleading framing, prompting greater scrutiny of such reporting.

“Wow. BBC makes it sound like India killed Pakistani tourists in Pahalgam! How much lower can they fall?” wrote Sandipan Deb, former editor of Financial Express, who is currently the managing editor of Outlook. 

Social media reactions

“BBC has long shown biased coverage against India. Honestly, I don’t understand why people still quote them — they’re nothing but a propaganda machine,” wrote one frustrated social media user. 

Another added, “Worst kind of headline.”

“Every time we ask this, they fall even lower,” commented a third. 

ALSO READ

A fourth X user expressed, “It’s an art form in itself. And total lack of shame!”

“BBC has mastered the art of bias for massacres. Be it in Kashmir by LeT or in Gaza by Israel. Shameless,” posted yet another social media user. 

“​​If BBC is referring to terrorists as militants and saying that Pakistan banned visas for Indians after the Kashmir attack, then it’s all fake news on a global scale! If you understand this, then you are wise enough; otherwise, just a lost soul,” said yet another. 

Some even pointed out that the BBC should stop using the term “Indian occupied Kashmir” for Kashmir. “BBC, you need to stop using Indian occupied Kashmir and follow some journalistic standards!” A few have even called for a ban on BBC India.

ALSO READ

Additionally, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels in the country on the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, PTI reported. These channels were disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against India, the Indian Army and security agencies against the backdrop of the dastardly Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir.