Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, April 26, 2025 – In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, residents of Salotri village in Poonch district, located near the Line of Control (LoC), are actively preparing underground bunkers to ensure their safety amid rising cross-border tensions. The attack, attributed to Pakistan-based terrorists, has heightened fears of escalation, prompting villagers to reinforce these protective structures provided by the Indian government.
Salotri, the last Indian village facing Pakistani military posts across the LoC, is witnessing a flurry of activity as residents clean and stock their bulletproof bunkers, built 10 feet underground. A local villager expressed gratitude, stating, “We live in a border area, and the bunkers provided by the Prime Minister for civilians here are very strong, bulletproof, and built 10 feet underground. There is no danger inside them. We feel completely safe while staying in our own homes.” The bunkers, part of the Modi government’s strategic infrastructure, are designed to shield civilians from potential ceasefire violations and cross-border hostilities.
The Pahalgam attack, executed in Baisaran Meadow by operatives linked to The Resistance Front (TRF) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has triggered significant security responses. Pakistan’s military has resorted to unprovoked small-arms fire along the LoC in Poonch over the past two days, prompting a “strong and appropriate response” from the Indian Army, with no casualties reported. The Indian government has escalated measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, and intensifying counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have demolished homes of suspected attackers and arrested terrorist associates in Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian.
The heightened alert along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway and ongoing search operations in areas like Lasana village reflect the tense atmosphere. Army Chief General Upendra Jaisankar visited Udhampur to review the security situation, focusing on the LoC in Poonch-Rajouri and areas south of the Pir Panjal ranges. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need to “hunt down perpetrators and their enablers” in a recent security review.
Salotri residents, once forced to flee to Poonch town due to the absence of bunkers, now credit their sense of security to these fortifications. The bunkers, described as “very strong” and capable of withstanding attacks, have become a lifeline for villagers living on the edge of the LoC. Posts on X highlight the community’s efforts, with villagers reinforcing bunkers following Pakistan’s ceasefire violations, underscoring the palpable fear of further conflict.
The Pahalgam terror attack has not only disrupted tourism but also intensified India-Pakistan tensions, with India accusing Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism. Global condemnation from the United Nations, United States, and other nations has followed, with calls for accountability. As Salotri villagers prepare for any eventuality, their reliance on government-provided bunkers reflects both resilience and the stark reality of life along one of the world’s most volatile borders.
