Zaffer Iqbal
Uri (Baramulla) Jun 15: (GNS) Days after exchange of fire between India and Pakistan armies along Line of Control in Hajipeer sector, inhabitants of the border area have reiterated their demand for immediate construction of community bunkers to avoid any future fatality.
A representation of the locals led by Lal Din Khattana, Sarpanch Charunda village told GNS that “despite directions from the government for the construction of bunkers for residents, the local authorities are yet to take up the work” adding “this indifferent attitude is putting lives of thousands of people at stake.”
“With the frequent exchange of fire along the sector, it becomes imperative for the authorities to step in and construct the bunkers on a fast track basis”, Din remarked.
Ghulam Rasool Dar, a resident of Hathlanga village, said that “Given the recent border skirmishes, residents living near the LoC are in a state of utter panic” adding “we fear for our lives for we have no protection when such a thing happens.”
“We urge the government to start the construction of the bunkers at the earliest to safeguard our lives and property”, Farooq Ahmad from Mothal village said.
Pertinent to mention, J&K Home Department had in February sanctioned 125 community bunkers with an aim to build shelters and safeguard human lives along the LoC from the arbitrary cross-border shelling.
As per the order, a copy of which lies with GNS, 85 bunkers have been approved for Kupwara district and 40 for district Baramulla. The government had, in the meantime, also approved a budget of 25 crores for the construction of the bunkers.
When contacted, Sub District Magistrate Uri, Reyaz Ahmad Malik revealed that “Construction work of community bunkers has been assigned to the R&B department.”
“The department had floated tenders for 44 community bunkers in Uri at the beginning of this month” he said adding “due to Covid-19 pandemic there was very less response from the bidders.”
“We again floated fresh tenders last week for forty-four bunkers and opening it on this Tuesday,” he said adding “We have even demanded 40 more community bunkers from the government for the Kamalkote sector.”
An official of R&B department in Uri said that the land has already been identified in the villages like Hathlanga, Sourha, Mothal, Silikote, Tilawari, Charunda and Batgran in Hajipeer sector for the construction.
“We will very soon start the construction of bunkers”, the official said adding “each bunker will accommodate at least four families.”
Pertinent to mention here a woman was killed and two others suffered injuries in an exchange of fire between the two armies along Hajipeer sector on Saturday last. (GNS)
