Proposal To Build Underground Bunkers In Uri, Karnah Amid Cross-Border Shelling: Report (Representational Image - Pixabay)

Uri, Jammu and Kashmir: The local administration in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri and Karnah proposed to build underground bunkers for the safety of residents in the region. The area had encountered severe cross-border shelling from Pakistan during the recent India-Pak conflict following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

The threat of the cross-border mortar and artillery fire in the region by Pakistan became more obvious in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the terror attack. More than 700 houses and structures suffered damage from the shelling from the neighbouring country. The brunt of the retaliation against India’s strikes inside Pakistan was largely borne by these two regions – Uri and Karnah. Uri was worst hit in the Pakistan shelling, and many other people were injured in four days of cross-border firing.

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Recently, officials conducted a survey of the region and prepared a list of damaged structures, which includes schools, offices and business establishments. More than 700 houses and structures suffered damage, and over 60 structures, including people’s homes, and four schools in the region.  The Pakistan army post opened fire using small arms and artillery guns across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri and Akhnoor after India launched an attack inside Pakistan.

The construction will begin immediately after government approval, The New Indian Express reported, citing official sources. Local administration has proposed establishing 4,000 underground bunkers in the Uri region, including 3,500 individual bunkers, which can accommodate 10–120 people and 500 community bunkers that can accommodate 30–40 people at a time. “The bunkers will be equipped with electricity, water supply and proper ventilation,” the news portal quoted the official.

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The local authorities have also proposed setting up over 1,600 bunkers for border residents in 47 villages in the Karnah Valley of Kupwara district, which is also heavily hit by the cross-border firing.

Notably, during the recent conflict, Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch faced the biggest casualties, with at least 13 civilians losing their lives and 59 others sustaining injuries in heavy cross-border shelling.