Omar Abdullah government expedites construction of civilian bunkers in Poonch

June 17, 2025 by News Desk

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Poonch to immediately prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the construction of safety bunkers in vulnerable and shelling-affected areas of the district to ensure the safety of civilians.

In a formal communiqué from the Civil Secretariat, the Office of the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir instructed the DC Poonch to initiate immediate steps for the construction of bunkers in identified areas prone to cross-border shelling.

The communiqué reads that the direction follows a representation made by a delegation led by Ajaz Ahmad Jan, MLA Haveli (Poonch), who met the Deputy Chief Minister and raised concerns regarding the urgent need for safety bunkers to protect civilian lives and property.

Recent incidents of shelling have disrupted public life and created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents living in the border areas.

“In view of the safety of the general public, it is requested that immediate steps be taken for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for construction of bunkers in the identified vulnerable locations without any delay,” the communiqué reads.

The directive comes after heavy shelling reported between May 7 and 10, which escalated tensions in the region. The period followed India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to heightened cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. (JKNS)