Locals resent bunker construction at Indira Nagar

Srinagar, Jan 3: At a time when the State Government has started a process to remove bunkers from various areas of the summer capital, paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have constructed two concrete bunkers in a residential area at Indira Nagar here.

 The problem has been compounded by installation of barricades which have encroached major portion of a road here hampering smooth flow of vehicular and pedestrian movement. 
 “While Government is removing bunkers in other parts of the city, construction of these bunkers has put question marks over the process,” the inhabitants said.

 “There was no need to construct these bunkers as this area is already secured as highly fortified Badamibagh Cantonment is situated nearby. Even when militancy was at its peak in held Kashmir, not a single bunker was constructed here or militancy related incident took place here,” said Farooq Ahmad, a local.

 Indira Nagar houses many hotels and guest houses. The locals said presence of bunkers would also affect tourist flow in the area. “This would ultimately affect our business. These bunkers would scare tourists that something is wrong in the area. We appeal Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to look into the matter,” a group of hoteliers said.

When contacted PRO CRPF Sudhir Kumar said he has no knowledge about the construction of bunkers.
 “I will look into the matter,” he added.

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