Conflict – Tensions Escalate as Protests Continue Across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

  Conflict –  Demonstrations across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir continue amid growing concerns over civilian welfare and administrative response.

Authorities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to intensify measures against ongoing public demonstrations, even as protesters remain determined to press ahead with their demands. According to Indian officials monitoring developments, the security response has become increasingly severe, with allegations that civilians, including women and children, are now being directly affected during operations.

Concerns Over Civilian Impact

Officials familiar with the situation claim that the latest security actions mark a significant escalation compared to previous protest movements in the region. They allege that women, who were earlier prevented from participating through restrictions and blockades, are now reportedly facing direct use of force alongside children. One official described the situation as deeply concerning, stating that civilians are increasingly becoming the focus of security operations regardless of age or involvement.

Reports also indicate that in Dhamol village, shelling was allegedly carried out during efforts to disperse protesters, raising additional concerns over the safety of residents living in affected areas.

Allegations of Blockades and Shortages

Intelligence officials have further alleged that authorities have restricted several routes used for transporting food supplies into PoK. According to these claims, the disruption has resulted in growing hardship for local communities, with residents reporting shortages of essential goods and expressing fears of worsening living conditions.

Officials said demonstrators have repeatedly stated that their movement is centred on demands for basic necessities and improved public services. They argue that instead of addressing these concerns, administrative actions have intensified pressure on local communities.

Claims of Increased Security Operations

According to officials, the present crackdown is being described as one of the most extensive seen during protests in the region. They allege that operational instructions have been issued from Pakistan’s military leadership under Field Marshal Asim Munir. Officials further claimed that during a recent review meeting, senior officers were directed to strengthen action against protesters despite concerns raised by some personnel regarding the possibility of a humanitarian crisis.

These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response addressing these specific claims was immediately available.

Families Raise Questions Over Missing Relatives

Officials also alleged that security personnel have targeted individuals who were not actively participating in demonstrations. They further claimed that in several incidents, families were reportedly prevented from recovering the bodies of deceased relatives, with authorities allegedly taking custody of them without allowing customary last rites. These claims remain unverified.

The developments have drawn criticism from Indian officials, who argue that Pakistan’s international messaging on peace contrasts sharply with the allegations emerging from PoK.

Protesters Seek International Attention

Participants in the protests have appealed to international organisations, including Amnesty International, the United Nations, and global media outlets, urging them to closely monitor the situation and highlight their concerns. Officials following the developments said they believe the issue has received limited international coverage despite the seriousness of the allegations.

Meanwhile, protest leaders have reiterated that demonstrations will continue until their demands are addressed. Among their key demands are the release of around 1,500 individuals reportedly detained during the protests, restoration of fundamental rights, expanded employment opportunities, improved healthcare and education facilities, and reforms in judicial and administrative institutions.

Advocate Saad Ansari also called for structural reforms, including granting scheduled bank status to the AJK Bank operating in PoK. He appealed to international human rights organisations and global news organisations to examine the situation and bring greater attention to the concerns raised by residents