In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, tensions have flared along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, prompting local residents to reopen and refurbish underground bunkers—commonly referred to as ‘Modi bunkers’—as a precautionary measure.
Villages such as Salotri and Karmarha, situated perilously close to Pakistani military positions, are witnessing renewed activity as residents clean and stock their bunkers with essentials like food, bedding, and warm clothing. These reinforced underground shelters, built largely during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, were designed to protect civilians during ceasefire violations and cross-border firing.
“The people had forgotten the bunkers. The bunkers are being cleaned again now. There is an atmosphere of fear, but we hope harmony will prevail in the valley,” a local resident from Karmarha told ANI. The sudden return to bunker life underscores the anxiety spreading through the region following the recent surge in militant activity.
Another villager voiced unwavering support for the Indian armed forces and the central government, strongly condemning the Pahalgam attack and expressing readiness to contribute in any way possible. “We are with the government, we stand by them. We strongly condemn the terror attack… we are ready to provide any possible support, even lay down our lives,” he said.
Many in the region recall frequent cross-border shelling in earlier years, making the return to bunker preparedness a grim reminder of past instability. “Our village is located near the LoC. We are cleaning the bunkers so that we can move our family to safety during such incidents. We are thankful to the central government for providing us with such bunkers,” another resident said.
The so-called ‘Modi bunkers’—a mix of individual and community shelters—have been constructed with financial and technical support from the central government in areas like Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara. Their primary function is to safeguard civilians during shelling and firing along the International Border (IB) and LoC.
With the region once again on high alert, the local administration has advised civilians to remain vigilant while security forces maintain a strong presence to deter any further hostilities. The current climate of uncertainty has renewed the significance of these life-saving structures in vulnerable border communities.
Sources By Agencies
