Karnah, May 13 (KNO): As calm returns to the forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) following the recent ceasefire, residents of Karnah—a village that bore the brunt of the shelling made a fervent plea to the government — construct bunkers for safety.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the shelling-affected areas of Kupwara in north Kashmir to assess the damage firsthand and meet displaced families.
During his visit, residents told the Chief Minister that while they were thankful to have survived, they had lost nearly everything. What they now demand is not only assistance, but lasting security infrastructure.
“We don’t want to go through this again. Please give us bunkers,” villagers told Omar as he interacted with them amidst the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings. Though the area did not witness civilian casualties, the material loss is extensive—damaged homes, broken livelihoods, and a traumatised community.
The CM, acknowledging the devastation, assured the people that bunker construction would be undertaken in areas where it is needed the most. “We are on it", he said, adding that the safety and dignity of people living along the LoC is a matter of utmost importance.
Omar praised the villagers' strength and courage in the face of such adversity. “The families here have shown remarkable courage amidst deep pain. Their resilience is inspiring. The government stands shoulder to shoulder with them. Their pain will not go unnoticed,” he said.
He said every possible step would be taken to help the affected people rebuild their lives with dignity and renewed hope, promising that long-term rehabilitation plans were already being worked out.
The village of Karnah currently presents a grim picture — collapsed walls, roofless homes, and streets covered with rubble. While people have begun to return to assess the damage, many remain in government-designated shelters, awaiting official clearance and support—(KNO)