Poonch, April 27, 2025 – In Karmarha village, nestled close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, residents are diligently cleaning and restocking government-built underground bunkers, spurred by fears of escalating conflict following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, has heightened anxieties along the LoC, prompting the community to prepare for potential ceasefire violations from across the border.
Constructed by the Indian government to shield residents from cross-border skirmishes, these bunkers—locally dubbed “Modi bunkers”—had fallen into disuse during years of relative peace. Now, with tensions flaring, villagers are clearing debris, sweeping out dust, and stocking essentials like blankets, food, and medical supplies. “We’d almost forgotten these bunkers,” a resident shared. “But now we’re cleaning them again, fearing trouble after the attack. We pray for peace, but we must be ready.” Another villager voiced solidarity with the Indian Army, condemning the Pahalgam attack and affirming the community’s resolve to protect their families.
The government had sanctioned over 14,000 bunkers across Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, and Rajouri districts, with thousands more approved to safeguard border communities. In Karmarha, where Pakistani military posts loom nearby, these shelters are vital. The recent cleaning efforts come amid reports of Pakistani troops firing on Indian positions along the LoC on April 25 and 26, stoking fears of further aggression. Memories of past conflicts, including the Kargil War when smaller bunkers housed entire families, weigh heavily on the village.
The Pahalgam attack, linked to a Pakistan-based terror group and its proxy, has unraveled the fragile calm along the LoC, with India accusing its neighbor of sponsoring terrorism. Villagers in Karmarha, living just kilometers from the border, are taking no chances. “We stand with our army and government,” a resident declared. “The terror attack was cowardly, and we’re prepared to support our forces, even at great cost.”
Local authorities, backed by the Indian Army, are maintaining heightened vigilance, with security operations intensified to counter terrorist threats. The bunker restoration reflects a quiet but determined effort by Karmarha’s residents to brace for uncertainty while holding onto hope for stability. As India-Pakistan relations deteriorate, the village’s actions underscore a blend of caution and courage in the face of an unpredictable future.