Jammu & Kashmir Border Bunker Construction Stalls 10 Months After Operation Sindoor
Nearly ten months after Operation Sindoor, there has been no significant progress on constructing bunkers in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir that experienced heavy Pakistani shelling. This includes the Poonch region, where at least 18 people lost their lives during the conflict. Local representatives are expressing frustration over the delay, highlighting the urgent need for safety infrastructure to protect civilians.
MLAs Voice Concerns Over Delayed Bunker Construction
Sajjad Shafi, the MLA from the Uri constituency in Baramulla district, stated that no construction work has begun in Uri since the operation. He reported that numerous houses were damaged during the shelling, leading to large-scale evacuations. While these evacuations saved lives, Shafi emphasized that promises about building bunkers have not been fulfilled. He argued that the region's topography makes community bunkers difficult to access during intense shelling, advocating instead for individual bunkers in every house.
Demand for Individual Bunkers Grows
Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, MLA from Thanamandi in Rajouri, echoed this sentiment, noting that houses are often kilometers apart in these areas. He stressed that during shelling, it is unsafe for residents to step outside to reach community bunkers, making individual bunkers a critical necessity for survival. This call for personalized safety measures is gaining traction among local leaders.
Impact on Security Forces and Defense Strategy
Poonch MLA Ajaz Jan of the National Congress pointed out that when shelling occurs, the Army is compelled to prioritize evacuating civilians and rescuing the injured before mounting a response. He asserted that permanent bunkers would not only strengthen defense capabilities but also alleviate pressure on security forces, allowing them to focus more effectively on counter-operations.
Official Sanctions and Proposed Timelines
According to official sources, over 500 bunkers have been sanctioned for Uri by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with construction expected to commence in April 2026. In November 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had submitted a proposal to the MHA for approval to establish 5,693 bunkers in Poonch. However, the lack of visible progress has raised concerns among residents and lawmakers alike.
The ongoing delays in bunker construction underscore the challenges faced by border communities in Jammu and Kashmir, where safety remains a pressing issue amid persistent threats of shelling. As MLAs continue to advocate for individual bunkers, the need for swift government action becomes increasingly apparent to ensure civilian protection and enhance regional security.
