Residents living along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir have reiterated their urgent demand for the construction of protected bunkers, recalling the severe cross-border shelling that occurred following a significant military escalation in May 2025. The intense shelling, which lasted for several days, caused widespread fear and disruption in border villages.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the demand for adequate civilian protection infrastructure has resurfaced among the population residing in areas prone to cross-border hostilities. This comes in the wake of the events of May 2025, which saw substantial escalation along the LoC.
The military escalation in May 2025 was reportedly triggered by an attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. In response, Indian armed forces initiated ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, 2025. This operation led to a sharp increase in tensions along the LoC, with reports of heavy artillery and mortar shelling from multiple sectors.
Official accounts and reports described the May 2025 shelling as among the most intense witnessed in decades, drawing parallels with the intensity of the 1971 war. The cross-border firing, which continued until a ceasefire understanding was reached on May 10, 2025, resulted in the deaths of approximately 13 to 16 civilians and injuries to dozens more. A soldier also lost his life due to unprovoked shelling in the Poonch sector.
Residents from areas including Uri, Karnah, Tangdar, and Gurez recounted the harrowing experiences of that period. They stated that the escalation forced many families to evacuate their homes, often in the middle of the night, as shells landed in densely populated residential areas. Many families are still grappling with the aftermath, with damaged homes and disrupted livelihoods.
While some compensation was provided to affected families, locals argue that it has been insufficient for a full recovery. Many individuals and families are still in the process of rebuilding their lives and properties damaged during the shelling. The immediate need for reinforced civilian shelters has been highlighted by the residents of Uri and Boniyar, who emphasize that bunkers are a critical requirement for ensuring the safety of civilians, particularly in vulnerable villages situated close to the LoC.
The concerns were echoed by residents in Karnah, Tangdar, and Gurez, who acknowledged that while some bunkers have been constructed, there remains a significant deficit in the provision of adequate shelters. They have appealed to the Central government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to prioritize and expedite the construction of bunkers across all vulnerable border areas.
The residents expressed a dual desire for both lasting peace and immediate safety, emphasizing that the security of their families and communities is paramount. The ongoing demand underscores the precarious living conditions faced by those along the LoC and the persistent need for robust civilian protection measures.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
