Report Raises Concerns Over Alleged Recruitment of Children by Jihadi Militant Groups in PoK.

Recruiting children aged 7–13, terror groups Jaish and Lashkar train ‘child jihadis’ in PoK schools to execute ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’, attack India, and kill Hindu Kaffirs: Report.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | March 23, 2026:: A recent report has raised serious concerns over the alleged involvement of Pakistan-based militant organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in targeting schoolchildren for radicalisation and recruitment in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).

According to the report published by The Daily Jagran, these groups—long accused by India of orchestrating cross-border attacks—are increasingly focusing on educational spaces to cultivate a new generation of recruits. The report alleges that children between the ages of 7 and 13 are being targeted through a combination of incentives, ideological messaging, and exposure to militant narratives.

Alleged Jihadi Recruitment Through Schools

The report claims that promotional materials have appeared in several Pakistani cities and PoK regions, encouraging parents to enrol their children in institutions allegedly linked to these organisations. These schools reportedly offer free education, meals, and even monthly stipends, making them particularly attractive to economically weaker families of Muslim communities.

Sources cited in the report allege that individuals associated with these groups have been visiting both government and private schools in PoK. Activities reportedly include speeches, theatrical performances, costume competitions, and storytelling sessions that glorify Muslim militants killed in Kashmir and promote specific ideological viewpoints glorifying Jihad.

Claims of Indoctrination and Training

The report further alleges that, beyond conventional education, these institutions impart teachings rooted in extremist interpretations of religion, with an emphasis on preparing children for future militant roles. Additional programs conducted outside school premises are also said to reinforce such narratives.

According to various sources, these activities intensified around September last year, with Jaish-e-Mohammed reportedly playing a more expansive role in outreach across various types of institutions. Lashkar-e-Taiba, meanwhile, is said to remain more active within networks affiliated to its own infrastructure.

Strategy Shift Amid Declining Local Support

The alleged focus on children is viewed by sources as a strategic shift amid declining local support for militant groups in PoK. Residents in some areas have increasingly voiced opposition to the presence of such organisations and called for the closure of training camps.

The report claims that, in response, these groups—allegedly with tacit support from elements within Pakistan’s establishment including ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence)—have intensified efforts to sustain recruitment by targeting younger and more impressionable demographics.

Movement of Students to Linked Institutions

It is further claimed that many Muslim families in PoK have withdrawn their children from mainstream schools and enrolled them in Madrasas (Islamic Seminaries) located in cities such as Bahawalpur, Lahore, Muridke, and Karachi, where such networks are believed to operate.

Broader Security Context

These allegations come against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harbouring and supporting militant groups targeting its territory—claims that Pakistan has consistently denied.

Additional Concerns and Reactions

Allegations of Ideological Radicalisation

Various sources allege that extremist narratives are being introduced to impressionable adolescents in many Islamic seminaries. These narratives reportedly reference the concept of “Ghazwa-e-Hind” and promote hostility toward India. According to these claims, such messaging is aimed at shaping a militant mindset among Muslim youth with an aim to establish an Islamic Country in India after killing the majority of ‘kaffir’ (infidel) Hindus.

Political Criticism of Government Response

The issue has also triggered political debate within India. Critics argue that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emphasising its efforts to curb militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and citing actions such as the 2016 surgical strikes, there has been limited ability to address alleged militant infrastructure in PoK. They contend that cross-border security challenges continue to persist.

Debate Over Response from Indian Muslim Organisations

The developments have also sparked debate over the response of Muslim organisations in India. Some voices have criticised what they perceive as insufficient public condemnation of such alleged extremist activities. Others, however, caution against broad generalisations, pointing out that many organisations have consistently spoken out against terrorism and extremism.

Jihad gaining new momentum

If substantiated, these allegations could have significant implications for regional security and highlight the challenges of countering radicalisation, particularly among vulnerable Muslim populations. The claims, however, are based on cited reports and sources, and independent verification remains limited.

Definitely, the proliferation of jihadist activities in Jammu and Kashmir is gaining new momentum once again, with networks spread across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.