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Poonch Border Villages Rejoice: New Bunkers Promise Safety Amid Conflict

People living in villages near the Line of Control in Poonch are feeling a wave of relief. The Ministry of Home Affairs is finally looking into their long-standing request for more safety bunkers. These structures are crucial for giving families a place to hide during cross-border firing or conflict. The hope now is that the assessment leads to quick construction, so villagers don't have to flee their homes.

Key Points: Poonch Villagers Welcome MHA Plan for More Border Bunkers

  • MHA conducts ground assessment for bunker construction in vulnerable Poonch border villages
  • Locals had long demanded bunkers for family safety during India-Pakistan military conflicts
  • District administrations in J&K asked to provide data on bunker needs and numbers
  • Residents hope for swift construction of both private and community bunkers near homes
2 min read

J&K: Residents in Poonch's border villages happy over proposed increase in bunkers

Residents in J&K's Poonch border villages express joy as the Home Ministry assesses the need for more safety bunkers near the LoC for wartime protection.

"If we get bunkers, we will be safe and able to protect ourselves even in wartime situations. - Haji Ali Akbar, Jalas resident"

Jammu, Dec 22

A ground assessment by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the need for bunker construction in border villages of Poonch, a border town situation near the Line of Control (LoC), has brought joy to the faces of local villagers.

The bunkers serve as a strong bulwark for the villagers during times of military conflict between India and Pakistan military conflict as they take refuge here. Owing to the region’s vulnerability in the border region, the locals had been demanding more bunkers for the safety of their loved ones and families.

The Home Ministry has sought information from all District Development Commissioners (DDCs) in Jammu and Kashmir, regarding the need and number of bunkers.

The villagers of Jalas and Salotri, located near the LoC in Poonch district, are overjoyed that their demands have been paid heed to and the process has begun in this direction.

Villagers, welcoming the Home Ministry’s decision, expressed hope that the construction of bunkers begins in the district soon and as many private bunkers as possible are raised for their safety.

Haji Ali Akbar, a resident of Jalas, said, "This was a very old demand of ours. Our area is near the border, which puts us at risk. If we get bunkers, we will be safe and able to protect ourselves even in wartime situations.”

Satinder Kumar Sharma of Jalas said, "The MHA has sought information from the district administration regarding the need for bunkers. This has brought us great joy. Even if there is a war with Pakistan, we will be safe in these bunkers. I want to thank the Home Minister on behalf of my village, panchayat, and all the people."

Ketan Bali, another resident of Jalas, said, "The MHA has paid attention to our years-old demand for bunkers and has sought information from the district administration. The district administration will convey our needs for single bunkers and community bunkers."

"We demand that the bunkers be constructed as soon as possible. The Indian Army is stationed at the border, and during firing, we have to leave our homes and run away, but if there are bunkers near us, we won't have to leave our homes," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some good news for the people of Poonch. They have lived in fear for too long. Hope the construction starts soon and is of good quality. These bunkers are a basic necessity for them.
A
Aman W
While this is welcome, the government must ensure the process is transparent and swift. Often such projects get delayed in paperwork. The people there need action, not just assessments.
S
Sarah B
It's heartbreaking to think families have to plan their lives around the possibility of shelling. Building bunkers is a critical step, but a permanent peaceful solution is what everyone truly hopes for.
V
Vikram M
Salute to the resilience of our border villagers. They live with courage every day. This decision shows the government is listening. Along with bunkers, hope they also get better connectivity and other facilities.
K
Ketan Bali
As someone from Jalas, I can't express our relief. For years we've had to abandon our homes and cattle at a moment's notice. A bunker nearby means we can protect our life's work. Thank you for hearing us.

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