Over 42 bunkers being built in Uri as ceasefire violations continue for 7th consecutive day across multiple LoC sectors: Army.
A fresh wave of cross-border shelling has disrupted the fragile peace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri, located in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, causing fear and uncertainty among locals who had started to rebuild their lives after the 2021 ceasefire agreement.
According to PRO Defence Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, Pakistani Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC, targeting areas opposite Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor, during the night of April 30 to May 1. The Indian Army responded proportionately.
Local sources reported that Pakistan targeted forward Indian positions and nearby civilian areas in Uri late on Wednesday night. This marks the seventh consecutive day of ceasefire violations since April 22.
The shelling sparked panic in several villages, prompting residents to seek shelter in safer zones. Although no casualties were reported, the incident brought back painful memories of the period before the 2021 truce when residents lived under constant threat.
“We were just beginning to believe in peace again,” said Muneer Hussain, a resident of Kamlakot, located only a few hundred meters from the LoC.
Qazi Mohammad Sheikh, 76, from Kamalkote, expressed frustration over the lack of safety infrastructure. “There are around 250,000 people living from Dachi to Dachlanga, yet not a single community bunker has been built here,” he said.
Ghulam Hassan, another local, expressed his resolve. “We are farmers, not fighters, but if needed, we will defend every inch of our land. No shell can scare us away. Our forces are our pride.”
Since the renewed ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in February 2021, areas along the LoC in Uri, Karnah, and other sectors had seen a reduction in hostilities, allowing villagers to resume farming, rebuild damaged homes, and send children to school without fear.
In response to the ongoing violations, the Baramulla district administration has heightened alert levels and is closely monitoring the situation. A senior official from Baramulla stated that damage assessments are underway, and authorities have been directed to assist families in vulnerable areas.
“At present, 42 bunkers are under construction along LoC villages in Uri. Each bunker, costing Rs. 10 lakh, is designed to accommodate around 100-120 people, with most expected to be completed by the end of this year,” the official said.
However, District Commissioner Minga Sherpa was unavailable for comment.
