Students and staff at Government Middle School in Saroola, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, took refuge in underground bunkers on Friday as a precautionary measure due to heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).

The move followed Pakistan’s unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Naushera, and Akhnoor for the eighth consecutive night, prompted by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

The school, located near the LoC, relies on bunkers built under a 2017 Central government initiative to protect civilians from cross-border shelling. Over 2,783 bunkers have been constructed in Rajouri, providing critical safety during ceasefire violations.

Also Read: Pressure Boiling Over In Pakistan? Provocateur Now Claims Right To Call UNSC Meeting

A bunker at a similar school in Kalsian, Rajouri, has enabled classes to continue during disturbances, boosting attendance and reducing migration fears.

On Friday, local authorities, including police and panchayat officials, ensured the bunkers were accessible, with students swiftly moved to safety.

The structures, equipped with basic facilities like toilets, are designed to shelter communities for days. However, residents have reported maintenance issues, with some bunkers inundated or overgrown, highlighting the need for regular upkeep.

The Indian Army responded proportionately to Pakistan’s firing, maintaining high alert. As villagers across Rajouri and Poonch clean bunkers and stock supplies, the region braces for potential escalation, hoping for peace amid a volatile border situation.

Also Read: Ganga Expressway Now Battle Ready! IAF Showcases Night Ops