People to get compensation for damages
*Unexploded shells being defused in several areas
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, May 12: Following intense shelling by Pakistan army targeting Rajouri and Poonch towns, an act unheard of in past several years, the Government is planning construction of community bunkers in both the border towns besides some other left out areas to help people take cover in case of any future escalation by the enemy.
Officials told the Excelsior that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and erstwhile State Government had earlier facilitated construction of both individual and community bunkers along Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in the region. Some people have also constructed bunkers on their own.
However, the bunkers were not constructed in Rajouri and Poonch towns as they were not targeted by Pakistan army for the past many years even in the event of intense shelling and firing which used to be confined to the forward areas.
“This was for the first time on the intervening night of May 7 and 8 following ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the Indian Armed Force in Pakistan that the Pakistani troops started heavy shelling directly targeting Poonch town in which 12 civilians were killed. A day later, Pakistani troops fired long range mortar shells hitting Rajouri town in which three civilians including a JKAS officer were killed while another civilian was dead in Poonch. A total of 16 civilians were dead in Pak shelling in the twin districts.
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People in Rajouri and Poonch towns, as per the officials, were caught unawares as they were not anticipating that Pakistan army would hit the towns with long range mortar shells as this was not done in past many years. Most of the people had no bunkers to hide and thus became victims. While 16 civilians were dead, over 50 others were injured.
“Now the Government is planning for construction of community bunkers in Rajouri and Poonch towns so that the people can take shelter there in case of any such shelling in future,” the sources said.
Also, they said, the Government has directed for speedy assessment of damage caused to houses and commercial establishments in Pakistan shelling for disbursement of relief as per the disaster norms.
“The officers have been directed to initiate and complete the assessment for immediate disbursement of relief for damage caused in shelling,” they said, adding that the Government has already announced ex-gratia relief for the kin of those killed and injured in Pakistan’s shelling and firing.
Meanwhile, multiple unexploded shells have been found in civilian areas of Rajouri district.
“You can clearly see here that the shells we are finding have fallen right in the middle of villages, with the entire surrounding area inhabited by civilians,” an official engaged with defusing the mortar shells said.
Sources said there can be unexploded shells lying in residential areas and if fiddled with inadvertently they can cause explosions resulting into casualties. Authorities have also cautioned the people to guard against any unexploded shells and if they find them they should stay away and inform the authorities.
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