<p>Srinagar: In response to the recent intense cross-border shelling by the Pakistan Army that directly targeted the towns of Rajouri and Poonch—marking a significant escalation not witnessed in years—the government is preparing to construct community bunkers in both towns and other vulnerable areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.</p><p>Over the past decade, the government has facilitated the construction of both individual and community bunkers along the LoC and the International Border (IB) to protect civilians from shelling. However, Rajouri and Poonch towns were previously excluded from such initiatives, as they had remained untouched by Pakistani shelling even during periods of heightened tension, with firing traditionally confined to forward border villages.</p>.J&K authorities order property damage assessment in shelling-hit Poonch.<p>Officials now acknowledge that the latest shelling represents a serious shift in pattern. “The nature and intensity of the attack marked a significant departure from earlier ceasefire violations. For the first time in years, densely populated towns like Rajouri and Poonch came under direct fire,” a senior official said.</p><p>Caught off guard, residents of both towns had little to no access to protective infrastructure. Long-range mortar shells landed deep into civilian areas. “People were unprepared because these towns were never targeted before. With no bunkers to take shelter in, many became easy victims,” the official added.</p><p>The government’s plan now includes construction of community bunkers in strategic locations across the two towns. These reinforced shelters will provide immediate safety to residents in the event of future hostilities. “These structures are crucial in areas where individual bunkers are not feasible and will offer quick access to protection during emergencies,” the official added.</p><p>Residents remain shaken by the rare and deadly attack. “This is the first time that shells have landed so close to our homes in Poonch town,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Poonch. “We never imagined the towns would come under direct fire.”</p><p>The sudden escalation has cast a shadow over the fragile peace along the LoC, reviving fears of a return to a more violent phase of border tensions.</p>
<p>Srinagar: In response to the recent intense cross-border shelling by the Pakistan Army that directly targeted the towns of Rajouri and Poonch—marking a significant escalation not witnessed in years—the government is preparing to construct community bunkers in both towns and other vulnerable areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.</p><p>Over the past decade, the government has facilitated the construction of both individual and community bunkers along the LoC and the International Border (IB) to protect civilians from shelling. However, Rajouri and Poonch towns were previously excluded from such initiatives, as they had remained untouched by Pakistani shelling even during periods of heightened tension, with firing traditionally confined to forward border villages.</p>.J&K authorities order property damage assessment in shelling-hit Poonch.<p>Officials now acknowledge that the latest shelling represents a serious shift in pattern. “The nature and intensity of the attack marked a significant departure from earlier ceasefire violations. For the first time in years, densely populated towns like Rajouri and Poonch came under direct fire,” a senior official said.</p><p>Caught off guard, residents of both towns had little to no access to protective infrastructure. Long-range mortar shells landed deep into civilian areas. “People were unprepared because these towns were never targeted before. With no bunkers to take shelter in, many became easy victims,” the official added.</p><p>The government’s plan now includes construction of community bunkers in strategic locations across the two towns. These reinforced shelters will provide immediate safety to residents in the event of future hostilities. “These structures are crucial in areas where individual bunkers are not feasible and will offer quick access to protection during emergencies,” the official added.</p><p>Residents remain shaken by the rare and deadly attack. “This is the first time that shells have landed so close to our homes in Poonch town,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Poonch. “We never imagined the towns would come under direct fire.”</p><p>The sudden escalation has cast a shadow over the fragile peace along the LoC, reviving fears of a return to a more violent phase of border tensions.</p>