Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, May 7, 2025 – Amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the Poonch District Administration has intensified efforts to ensure the safety of residents by establishing well-equipped public shelter camps. On May 7, a team of senior officials, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner , Assistant Commissioner Revenue , Chief Planning Officer , and Tahsildar Haveli, conducted a comprehensive review of designated camp sites to verify the availability of essential amenities and operational readiness.
The administration has designated multiple locations as shelter camps to accommodate residents voluntarily relocating from vulnerable areas near the LoC, particularly in Poonch, Rajouri, and Baramulla districts. The identified sites include Caramel School Chandak, Dingla University Campus, Ishat ul Uloom Chandak, Higher Secondary School Chandak, GHSS Lassana, Government High School Sanai, Government Middle School Sanai, GHSS Seri Khawaja, and Polytechnic College Sathra. These facilities are strategically located to provide safe havens amidst ongoing ceasefire violations and cross-border skirmishes with Pakistan.
The inspection focused on ensuring adequate accommodation, food supplies, medical assistance, and sanitation facilities at each camp. The administration has mobilized resources to provide boarding, lodging, and transportation, addressing the immediate needs of evacuees. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, overseeing the response, has directed District Commissioners to prioritize citizen safety, with coordination from the Border Security Force and Indian Army to strengthen the border security grid. The camps are equipped to handle the influx of residents, with provisions for emergency healthcare and security measures to instill confidence among those displaced.
The Poonch Administration’s proactive measures build on existing infrastructure, including over 8,000 Modi bunkers in Poonch and Rajouri, designed to shield civilians from shelling. The camps complement these bunkers, offering a more comprehensive relocation option for families facing heightened risks due to Pakistani troop actions and militant threats. The Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System , a three-tiered fencing along the LoC, leaves some villages exposed, necessitating such evacuations.
The initiative follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent meeting with border state leaders, including J&K DGP RR Swain, to align security and humanitarian responses. The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, and Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on militant sites, have intensified the need for such measures. Residents in villages like Chandak (population 3,207, literacy rate 64.4%) and Sathra (population 2,131, literacy rate 53.8%) are among those encouraged to relocate, with the administration ensuring access to essential services at the camps
Public sentiment on X applauds the administration’s swift action, with users noting the importance of shelter camps in protecting vulnerable communities, though these views are inconclusive. Environmentalists have raised concerns about the ecological impact of prolonged military activity in the Chenab Valley, while humanitarian groups stress the need for robust relief to support displaced families. The Poonch Administration remains committed to addressing these challenges, urging residents to utilize the camps as a safe refuge during this period of cross-border tensions.
