Pakistani security forces have escalated their crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with Indian officials alleging that the offensive now includes the deliberate targeting of women and children and the blocking of food supply routes into the region. The developments, monitored closely by Indian intelligence, represent what officials describe as the most severe atrocities committed in PoK to date.

Targeting of Women and Children

According to Indian officials tracking the situation, Pakistani security forces have moved beyond earlier restrictions — such as blockading women from joining protests — to reportedly firing directly at women and children. In Dhamol village, forces allegedly resorted to shelling to prevent women and children from participating in demonstrations. 'While women have been targeted in the past, the security forces have only imposed blockades on them from joining the protests. Today, they are firing at children and women,' an official said.

Starvation as a Weapon

An Intelligence Bureau official alleged that the Pakistan establishment has blocked all routes through which food supplies enter PoK, effectively using starvation as a tool of suppression. 'People have been complaining about starvation and allege that the establishment is looking for ways to kill them,' the official said. At a time when protesters are demanding basic amenities, officials say the response from Islamabad has been to cut off essential supplies.

Munir Accused of Ordering Brute Force

Indian officials allege that the directives are originating from Field Marshal Asim Munir, who reportedly pulled up army personnel during a recent meeting for failing to act decisively in PoK. According to officials, Munir instructed his forces to use 'as much force as possible' to suppress the protests, even if that meant deploying brute force against women and children. Some personnel had reportedly warned Munir of a looming humanitarian crisis, but he allegedly dismissed those concerns.

Bodies Withheld from Families

Officials further allege that security forces are not only killing unarmed individuals who are not even part of the protests, but are also preventing families from retrieving the bodies of the deceased. 'The forces take away the bodies and dispose of them, not even giving the family members a chance to perform their last rites,' officials said. The allegations, if verified, would constitute grave violations of international humanitarian norms.

Protesters' Demands and International Appeals

Despite the reported crackdown, protesters have refused to stand down. They are demanding the immediate release of 1,500 persons allegedly arrested by Pakistani forces, the restoration of basic human rights, employment opportunities, improved healthcare and education facilities, and reforms in the judiciary and bureaucracy. Advocate Saad Ansari additionally called for the AJK Bank, which operates in PoK, to be granted scheduled bank status. Protesters have made fervent appeals to Amnesty International, the United Nations, and the international media to intervene. 'This issue needs global attention and the world needs to know the kind of crimes that are being committed in the region,' an official said. Officials also noted that the situation is receiving limited coverage internationally, compounding concerns about accountability. This comes amid a broader pattern of periodic unrest in PoK over governance, economic neglect, and civil liberties — though officials say the current level of state response is unprecedented.