Continuous firing and shelling by Pakistani Rangers on our border villages and consequent damages to men and material is an issue that is being severally discussed at various levels in the Government. Firing and shelling has become a regular feature on our border with Pakistan. Previously, firing was a recurring scene at the Line of Control. But in recent months, Pakistani Rangers have been firing and shelling across the International Borders in Jammu and Kashmir.
In most of the cases of cross border firing Pakistani side has not owned responsibility and is passing the buck to Indian side. Her denial attitude is proverbial and by denying any role in militancy in Kashmir. Pakistan is contradicting its own position in the context of Kashmir imbroglio. Pakistan’s ISI has coined the phrase “non-state terrorists” for jihadis closely linked to Pakistan army and ISI. Unprovoked firing by Pakistanis is now almost the daily routine on that side. They care not a hoot for the Ceasefire Agreement.
Eminent scholars, political analysts and India-Pak watchers have tried to find out reasons why Pakistan is repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement. They ultimately link it to deepening domestic instability of Pakistan and more than one centre of power functioning at their sweet will with no coherence and coordination. It means that as long as domestic instability continues in that country, border skirmishes and cross firing will continue to be the regular phenomenon. Naturally, India shall have to look for remedies to counter this situation. This is a phase of proxy war.
Impact of Pakistani firing on our border dwellers is very disturbing. They have to be on the wheels shifting anytime anywhere to escape the brunt of enemy bullets and shells. The people living close to the border subsist on their agricultural pursuits. This is their livelihood and of course it is true of the people on the other side of the border also. It was suggested that concrete bunkers should be raised for the people living close to the border so that whenever there is firing and shelling they can take shelter in these border. This would say the administration the hazards of shifting the population time an again. Shifting of population is not only an expensive affair but is highly devastating to the people involved. Their lives become miserable, their children are deprived of education and their youth cannot find employment when they are in a State of instability. Hence a proposal for constructing of concrete bunkers in at least six border blocks of Bishnah, R S Pura, Satwari, Marh, Akhnoor and Khour had been proposed at a cost of 5 lakh rupees each bunker to accommodate 20 persons and with basic amenities available to them. Alternately bunkers made of steel were also brought under consideration but on the basis of expert opinion and input made by the Army and Engineering branch it was decided that concerte bunkers would be a better option. The scheme was worked out in consultation with the Amy, BSF and others connected with the project. It is nearly two years that the plan is collecting dust somewhere in the office of civil authorities.
There is no sense in delaying the matter indefinitely and allowing the people on the border go through usual trauma of shifting and re-shifting. By any calculation the recurrence of firing from Pakistani side has multiplied and it does not portend well. The army will continue to retaliate to each action of the enemy but then we have to realize that the solution of the issue is not to leave homes and hearths and go away at short notices. Everybody knows that the land under the cultivation of peasants close to the border in Jammu and Samba districts is rich and fertile and very productive and is the source of sustenance of numerous families subsisting on it. We cannot give up an inch of our land. Raising concrete bunkers and letting villagers occupy these and remain at their original places is a bold and courageous decision which will be appreciated by the people on the border. These concrete bunkers must be equipped with all essential facilities like power, toilet, water, partition and fresh air.
It has to be reminded that in the Indo-Pak war of 1971, Indian troops who had crossed the border and landed in Pakistani territories had found that Pakistan had raised concrete bunkers not vulnerable to heavy shelling. Especially along the bank of Ichhogil canal such bunkers were found in large numbers. Therefore, we should also adopt all measures of ensuring safety and security of our civilian population along the border. The files pertaining to this project should be pulled out and brought under active consideration of authorities. Work on the project should begin now.
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