Pahalgam Latest News: As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan (India Pakistan), villagers near the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert. People are cleaning their bunkers and hastening the wheat harvest to remain safe in case of any emergency (war).
Commencing Bunker Cleaning
Former Sarpanch Balbir Kaur of Treva village in the R.S. Pura sector stated, 'No one knows what lies ahead. We've decided to prepare underground bunkers to protect ourselves in case of shelling or firing across the border.' The ex-Sarpanch added that they are ready to face any situation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the army. Thousands of individual and community bunkers previously constructed by the government are now being cleaned.
India Shares a 3,323 km Long Border
India shares a 3,323-kilometer-long border with Pakistan, of which 221 kilometers are the international border and 744 kilometers are the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Although ceasefire violations had decreased since 2021, the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has created an atmosphere of fear. This attack claimed 26 lives, sparking anger nationwide.
Over 5,000 Violations in 2020
Initially signed in 2003, the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan has been repeatedly violated by Pakistan, with over 5,000 violations recorded in 2020—the highest in a year.
Approval for More Than 4,000 Bunkers
To protect border residents from Pakistani shelling, the central government approved the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers in December 2017, spanning five districts in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba. These bunkers cover villages along the international border and the Line of Control in Poonch and Rajouri. Later, the government approved more than 4,000 bunkers for vulnerable populations.
Kaur, overseeing the bunker cleaning campaign, stated they are prepared for any situation and stand firm with the security forces. 'We want our government to take decisive action against terrorists and their handlers across the border. We want to root out those who have brutally murdered innocent, unarmed civilians.' Outside, you can hear the sounds of harvesters in the fields. Villager Seva Ram shared that while women are busy cleaning bunkers, the men decided to cut the standing wheat crop a few days early. 'We are soldiers without weapons, always ready to face the enemy,' he said.
Standing Firm with Our Soldiers
Officials reported similar situations from villages near the international border in Samba, Kathua, Poonch, and Rajouri districts. Mohammed Farooq, a resident of Salotri village near the LoC in Poonch, noted, 'The situation is tense, and we stand solidly with our soldiers to teach Pakistan a lesson as always.'
While Jammu's borders remain peaceful, ceasefire violations occurred for two nights from Thursday in the Kashmir Valley. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported from the cross-border gunfire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a stern warning to terrorists and their supporters. India has taken decisive actions against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty and closing the Attari border. In response, Pakistan has also halted Indian flights and suspended trade.
