Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 14: Expressing serious concern over the loss of precious lives due to frequent skirmishes along the Line of Control in North Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) leaders Raja Manzoor and Javed Mirchal have demanded immediate construction of underground bunkers in order to save the life of inhabitants of forward areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a joint statement, issued here, the JKAP leaders extended solidarity with the bereaved families of three deceased including a minor boy who lost their lives at Reddi, Chowkibal and Tumna areas of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district in cross LoC shelling on April 12.
“It is unfortunate that there is no letup in shelling even during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing more worries to the civilian population living in the border areas ,” the former legislators remarked, while demanding immediate compensation for the bereaved families.
Referring to a Defence Ministry report indicating an increase in the incidents of ceasefire violations along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019, the JKAP leaders said that in view of the heightened cross-border shelling, the Centre must sanction and order speedy construction of concrete, underground bunkers for all the left out border areas in the Union Territory, especially in Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora districts.
They added that people living near the LoC in Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora districts and their fellow citizens living in border areas of Jammu province live in constant fear and agony. “People living in these areas have suffered deaths, injuries and loss of property amid intense firing and mortar shelling. The Ministry of Home Affairs in Government of India must ensure availability of sufficient funds to respective district administrations for construction of bunkers at least meant for two three households jointly in all border areas in Jammu and Kashmir,” they demanded.
They also urged the Government of J&K to ensure free food, ration, medicines and other essential items in border areas in view of the COVID-19 lockdown. “The Government should ensure free distribution of masks, sanitizers, food and ration to the areas in border districts which have been declared as Red Zones like in Tanghdar, Karnah and Keran areas,” they appealed.
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