Early Times Report
Jammu, May 28: In response to the intense cross-border shelling by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the Union Government is actively considering the construction of additional bunkers in vulnerable areas, with a particular focus on Poonch town, which suffered the maximum brunt of Pakistan’s aggression.
The heavy shelling, which began on May 7, 2025, following India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK), resulted in significant loss of life and property in Poonch and other border districts like Rajouri, Kupwara, and Uri. At least 15 civilians were killed and 43 injured in Poonch alone, with homes, religious sites, and public infrastructure reduced to rubble.
Sources indicate that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his upcoming visit to Jammu and Kashmir on May 29 and 30, is expected to finalize decisions regarding the construction of new bunkers in Poonch town.
This initiative aims to enhance the safety of residents in this strategically sensitive area, located close to the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC). The move comes as part of the government’s broader commitment to protect civilians in border regions, especially after the devastating impact of Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks following India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
The Union Government h The Centre is actively considering the construction of additional bunkers in vulnerable areas.
Focus is on Poonch town, which suffered the maximum brunt of Pakistan’s aggression.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his upcoming visit to J&K is expected to take a final call.
This initiative aims to enhance the safety of residents in sensitive areas.
These bunkers, often referred to as “Modi Bunkers” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have proven instrumental in saving lives during the recent escalation. During the intense shelling from May 7 to May 10, 2025, residents in villages like Dhara Dhulian, Krishna Ghati, and Gulpur in Poonch district sought refuge in these underground shelters, which are designed to withstand artillery fire with 12-inch-thick concrete walls.
The Union Government’s new initiative aims to address these gaps by prioritizing high-quality, strategically placed bunkers in Poonch town to ensure better protection for civilians.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has been closely monitoring the situation, ordered the evacuation of civilians from vulnerable areas along the LoC and International Border (IB) during the height of the conflict. His upcoming visit is expected to include discussions with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and senior security officials to assess the damage and expedite relief efforts. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized that the administration is actively assessing the destruction caused by Pakistan’s shelling and is committed to providing prompt relief and compensation to affected families. |
