As tensions mounted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district in the wake of last week’s terror attack at Pahalgam, border residents are gearing up their underground ‘Modi Bunkers’ in anticipation of any escalation.
Villagers Prepare Underground ‘Modi Bunkers’
In settlements such as Salotri and Karmarha close to Pakistani army camps, locals are emptying out and storing up their bunkers with rations as a preventive measure.
After getting used to years of comparative peace, these villagers are now preparing for potential war. Video shows them stacking up blankets, beds, and other items as they prepare for any impending threats.
“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 resident of Karmarha village told ANI.
Strong Support for Government and Army
Another villager echoed strong sentiments in favor of the government and army, condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and asserting willingness to help, even to give their lives.
“We are with the government, we stand by them. We strongly condemn the terror attack, we are in support of our army and administration. Whenever they need us, we are ready to provide any possible support, even lay down our lives,” the resident told ANI.
#WATCH | Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir | People of Karmarha village near the Line of Control clean the bunkers that were built by the government for the safety of the people pic.twitter.com/pPsmxqE416
— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2025
“Earlier, there used to be firing incidents in this area. 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,” he added.
What Are ‘Modi Bunkers’ on the LoC?
Underground bunkers, known as ‘Modi bunkers,’ have been the lifeline for residents of the border areas during ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC), ANI reported.
These bunkers, constructed predominantly during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, have been instrumental in saving lives during times of heavy cross-border firing.
Renovations Underway as Tensions Escalate
The government had earlier provided economic aid and technical aid for constructing individual and collective bunkers in vulnerable areas such as Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara.
With tensions escalating, locals have started renovating the shelters, which had become inactive during the past years of peace.
Security personnel in the region are on their toes, and the administration has asked civilians to remain alert.
