Srinagar: Reports quoting security sources indicate that paramilitary forces are likely to set up bunkers in various parts of Kashmir, specifically in Srinagar. The development signals an end to the process of dismantling bunkers and camps of security forces, installed following the 2010 'unrest' in which more than 120 civilians were killed.
Mumbai based DNA quoting sources reported on Tuesday that the decision, taken on September 14 – four days before Sunday morning's deadly Uri attack that claimed lives of 18 Army personnel – factored in possible fidayeen attack and an immediate need for an "effective area domination" owing to the protests the Valley has been witnessing since July 8.
The papers, DNA said were in its possession, detail how the J&K police along with other agencies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were supposed to counter the fidayeen and were told to remain in state of high alert to thwart any such attempt.
"Bunkers need to be erected at strategic locations in Srinagar city within one week to check movement of terrorists, anti-national elements and other undesirable elements. The sub-formations deployed in these bunkers shall ensure the activation of round-the-clock nakas/ MVCPs (mobile vehicle check posts) and effective area domination, particularly during the night time," it reads.
In June, during a state assembly session, while replying to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had said that 84 structures – 69 camps and 14 bunkers – were removed from towns and cities since 2009. She further went on to say that a total of 258 camps and 18 bunkers existed in the Valley as on January 1, 2009, of which Srinagar accounted for the highest number of 117 camps and 11 bunkers. Fifteen such bunkers and camps were removed in 2012, 11 in 2009, eight in 2013, five in 2015, three in 2014 and one in 2016. While the CM in June had said that more such bunkers would be removed after assessing the situation, the current protests have prompted authorities to deploy more forces there. Now, with the attack on a army base in Uri, the chances of bunkers coming back to Srinagar are all the more higher.
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