The Village Defence Guards (VDGs), a group backed by the Indian army, has reportedly requested additional weaponry from the Indian government to intensify their operations against pro-freedom civilians in the border districts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This development has raised concerns about the potential escalation of violence in the region. According to Kashmir Media Service, the VDGs, currently armed with .303 and bolt-action rifles, are seeking automatic weapons and increased remuneration to enhance their effectiveness in suppressing dissent along the Line of Control. This request reflects a troubling intent to strengthen their capabilities against civilians advocating for freedom. Experts and political analysts on Kashmir have condemned this move, interpreting it as part of a broader strategy by the Modi-led government to use private militias to enforce control in the occupied territories. They warn that such actions not only breach human rights norms but also aggravate
the already tense situation in IIOJK.

Calls have been made for international intervention to address these escalating human rights violations and the use of state-sponsored terrorism in the region.