On demands of locals, 3 security force bunkers removed from violence-hit Handwara

Municipal authorities in violence-hit Handwara town in north Kashmir today removed three security force bunkers from the main market, fulfilling one of the long pending demands of local residents. “Three bunkers, which were constructed on top of shops in Handwara main market, have been removed by municipal authorities,” a police official said.

He said the main bunker, located in the round-about of the main market, has also been vacated and taken over by municipal authorities. “This bunker will also be demolished and the task will be completed by 2 PM today,” the official said.

The municipal authorities also erected a board on the premises of the bunker, marking the place for conversion into a public park. The locals had been demanding removal of the bunkers for quite sometime but the Army had put its foot down, saying it was strategically important for the troops.

However, the demand for removal of these bunkers intensified after last week’s violence triggered by alleged molestation of a girl by an army soldier. Three persons were killed in security forces firing while dealing with the protestors.