 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 31: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Poonch that the Central Government will construct additional community bunkers in vulnerable areas of Jammu and Kashmir to protect civilians from cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB). This decision comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, during which the Pakistani Army heavily shelled civilian areas lacking bunker infrastructure, causing significant loss of life.
Authorities have initiated the process to identify vulnerable areas in Jammu province for the construction of new community bunkers, though specific locations have not yet been officially declared. Sources indicate that the administration is seriously considering including Jammu city among the areas for bunker construction, given its proximity to the border and potential risk from future shelling.
Expressing deep sympathy for families who lost loved ones in the recent shelling, Shah recalled that the bunker construction program began in 2014 following a commitment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Over 9,500 bunkers have already been built along the LoC and IB, playing a vital role in saving lives during the recent three-day conflict,” he stated during his address.
Shah emphasized that the Central Government, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory administration, will accelerate the construction of additional bunkers to enhance safety in vulnerable regions. “Today, I discussed this issue with the Lieutenant Governor and senior officers of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to strengthening border infrastructure.
The recent Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the May 7, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, targeted civilian areas in Poonch and other parts of Jammu province, resulting in at least 14 civilian deaths and numerous injuries. The absence of bunkers in these areas exacerbated the damage, prompting urgent action from the government. Shah condemned Pakistan’s actions, noting that Indian forces destroyed nine Pakistani airbases in retaliation, after which Pakistan requested a ceasefire.
In 2018, the Central Government approved the construction of 14,460 bunkers in Jammu province’s Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts, of which 7,923 individual and 959 community bunkers have been completed. However, the recent shelling highlighted the need for additional bunkers in areas yet to be covered or requiring repairs.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atul Dulloo confirmed that while 9,500 bunkers have been constructed, more are needed to address vulnerabilities exposed by recent events. Local residents from Dhara Dhullian village in Poonch, have begun building personal bunkers due to delays in government assistance.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed the need for additional individual and community bunkers in shelling-affected areas, stating, “With the Centre’s support, we will ensure bunkers are built in all vulnerable regions.” The government has also announced a relief package for affected families, including appointment letters for government jobs distributed to victims’ kin.
Shah reiterated the Centre’s resolve, saying, “The development of Jammu and Kashmir will neither stop nor slow down. Anyone attempting to harm us will face a strong and fitting response.” The accelerated bunker construction initiative aims to safeguard civilians and strengthen border security, ensuring resilience against future cross-border aggression. |
