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Border residents demand early completion of Bunkers

Subodh Bhasin. Dated: 5/11/2018 8:52:19 AM

SUBODH BHASIN Jammu, May 10 Although In January, the Centre had sanctioned the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers at a cost of Rs 415.73 crore for the people living along the LoC and International Border in Jammu division, yet delay in completion of these bunkers resulted into fear among the border residents who are facing the shelling across the borders. The unprovoked firing and shelling by Pakistan along International Border and Line of Control in several villages near borders even caused huge losses of life of the border residents who are now demanding that the construction of bunkers should be taken up expeditiously and must be completed at the earliest. Several times the border residents have raised their voice vigorously asking the administration to take the issue seriously so that border residents can live their life without fear at the time of shelling. Talking to Young Bites correspondent several border residents said that every time there is firing from Pakistan the local administration promise us to construct the bunkers at the earliest, yet even after the several months have passed when Centre Government had sanctioned construction of bunkers , the process is being delayed, putting their life at risk
It is worthwhile to mention here that as per the figures, 7,298 bunkers will be constructed along the LoC in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri, while 7,162 underground bunkers will be constructed along the International Border in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts.
Although earlier it was promised to give five marlas (1361.25 sq ft) of land for border villagers facing unprovoked Pakistan firing. But lately, the government informed the state legislative assembly that it had decided to construct bunkers in border districts instead of allotting five marlas of land to each family as shifting of population to another place would not be in the interest of the state or nation.
Another border resident said that there is constant fear among all families living near borders as we are living a life of uncertainty with fear of Pakistan firing and the d3lay in construction of bunkers has put our life at stake.
He added that with the construction of bunkers at least they can have safety during shelling. He appealed the State Government to take up the matter of completion of bunkers at the earliest on the humanitarian grounds.