9,500 bunkers set up along Indo-Pak border, more to come: J&K chief secy

Declaring that 9,500 bunkers have been set up along the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir, chief secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reached out to shelling-affected people along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Union Territory's Rajouri district and said more bunkers would be constructed for the safety of border dwellers.

The chief secretary said Pakistan had resorted to shelling in civilian areas, causing huge damage to livestock and properties. Asserting that there is a need for more bunkers along the borderline, Dulloo said, "I want to tell you that 9,500 bunkers are there along the borderline in J&K."

"There is more demand for bunkers and more bunkers will be constructed. There will be no shortfall of bunkers," he told reporters in Rajouri.

The chief secretary visited Kalsian panchayat in Nowshera tehsil, located near the LoC, where some houses have been damaged owing to recent cross-border shelling.

"I have come here to Rajouri and Nowshera sectors to assess the ground situation. The shelling that took place from across the border has hit civilian areas," he said.

Dulloo said some people have been injured and added "there is loss of livestock and huge damage caused to properties".

The chief secretary said the administration would soon disburse compensation after conducting an assessment of the losses.

During his visit, Dulloo interacted with the affected residents and assured them of all possible support from the administration. He expressed solidarity with people in this hour of distress and emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring their safety and welfare.

The chief secretary later visited the Government Medical College (GMC) in Rajouri, where he met with patients, including those injured in the shelling incident.

Commending the district administration's efforts in managing the situation effectively, he lauded the swift and coordinated response to the recent shelling incidents.