100 shell-proof underground bunkers to protect locals from Pakistani firing on LoC

JAMMU: In an effort to protect locals from Pakistani shelling and firing, India is building over 100 shell-proof underground bunkers along the Line of Control in Jammu's Rajouri district.

These bunkers will be constructed in the vulnerable villages in Sunderbani sector.

The development comes days after four soldiers including a Major were killed after Pakistan violated ceasefire on December 23, 2017.

Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, the District Development Commissioner (DDC) of Rajouri, directed the sub-divisional magistrate of Sunderbani to finalise the location to construct 100  bunkers along the Line of Control.

"The DDC directed SDM Sunderbani for finalisation of location for at least 100 bunkers along LoC in Sunderbani in consultation with elected representatives, locals and army representatives," an official spokesman told DNA.

Earlier, during a public meeting chaired by DDC at border village Meenka in Sunderbani near the Line of Control, locals had asked for safety measures.

The bunkers the double RCC slab and be covered with five feet of sand so that the shells do not penetrate inside.

Figures presented in the Lok Sabha revealed that Pakistan has violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir 771 times till December 10 this year, and 110 times along the International Border till November-end. Around 30 people including 14 army personnel, 12 civilians, and four BSF personnel were killed in these ceasefire violations this year.

Last year there were 449 incidents of ceasefire violations in which 13 civilians and 13 security personnel were killed and 83 civilians and 99 security personnel were injured. The truce between India and Pakistan along the International Border, the Line of Control and the Actual Ground Position Line in Siachen glacier came into force in November 2003.