As India-Pak tension escalates, border residents urge construction of underground bunkers
As the armies of India and Pakistan traded heavy firing along the Line of Control (LoC), the residents of border of town Uri have urged upon the authorities to construct the underground bunkers.
Residents told Kashmir Vision over phone that with the absence of the underground bunkers their lives were under constant threat.
“As the other borders are flaring-up, now we too are feeling unsafe here,” said Lal Din Khatana, a local of Charunda village adding “We want authorities to construct underground bunkers in our areas so that their lives are safe”
Mudasir Ahmad, a resident of Silikote village said that government should provide them special grant for reconstructing the bunkers in case the situation turned ugly.
“The government should either construct or provide us money to construct these bunkers. If they fail to do so, we might have to migrate from our respective areas,” Ahmad said.
Nadeem Abbasi, a resident of Gawalta village said that the already constructed bunkers were damaged in year 2005 after hit by the earthquake.
“Till date we didn’t feel the need of these bunkers, but as the situation on the other borders are deteriorating, we fear the condition may get worst here as well,” Abbasi said.
The areas those are close to Line of Control (LoC) of Uri sector include Silikote, Charunda, Hathlanga, Gawalta, Nambla, Kamalkote and many others.
Located in the Pir Panjal Mountains, Charunda village in Uri is located some 15 km away and has been the worst affected areas during ceasefire violation time.
In October 2012, two civilians were killed after Pakistan violated ceasefire in Charunda village of Uri sector.
The village was again the target in January 2013 but the cross LoC shelling resulted in damage to a residential house.
In November 2014, a 17-year old girl was killed after Pakistani troops violated cease fire violation along Line of Control (LoC) in Kamalkote sector of Uri.
India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in November 2003. Barring minor aberrations, the ceasefire had been successful, providing major relief to the residents of borders areas in the state who were living in constant fear.
Tehsildar Uri, Jaffar Hussain said that they have not received any representation for construction of bunkers so far.
“However, we will forward a proposal to Government if any such application is received,” Hussain said.
KV Correspondent
