𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬

Srinagar, May 13: Amid ongoing threats from cross-border shelling and ceasefire violations, residents along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their demand for individual safety bunkers. In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has pledged to prepare a detailed proposal for the Central Government to expedite construction.

“Residents living near the LoC are repeatedly demanding individual bunkers to protect themselves during escalations,” said the Chief Minister after visiting shelling-affected areas in Kupwara. “Our administration is committed to their safety and will push for fast-track approval of these protective structures.”

In the Karnah sector of Kupwara, locals expressed frustration over the lack of permanent safety measures. Shakeel Ahmad, a teacher from Khawarpora, said, “We are left to fend for ourselves during shelling—fleeing to fields or schools. We need bunkers at our homes, not temporary shelters.”

Fatima Begum, 70, from Tangdhar, recalled the terrifying shelling on May 7 and 8. “At my age, I can’t run to shelters. A bunker near my home would be the difference between life and death.”

Residents of Keran and Uri voiced similar fears. “Shells land just meters from our homes,” said Javid Lone, a shopkeeper from Keran. “This isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival necessity.” In Uri, Parveen Akhtar emphasized that bunkers are the only assurance of safety amid frequent shelling.

Although community bunkers have been set up under central schemes, they are often distant, limited, or poorly maintained. The demand for private, easily accessible shelters has grown amid recent exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces.

Ghulam Mustafa, a former Sarpanch from Karnah, reflected on the long history of cross-LoC violence. “I’ve witnessed the 1971 war and countless shellings since 2000. Many lost their limbs or lives. We need individual, shell-proof bunkers now more than ever.”

While CM Omar’s announcement offers hope, residents urge the government to follow through. “We’ve heard these promises before,” said Mohammad Shafi from Garkote, Uri. “This time, we need action.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier sanctioned community and individual bunkers for border areas. If implemented, CM Omar’s initiative could significantly strengthen civilian protection along Kashmir’s volatile frontier.