LEEPA VALLEY (Kashmir English): Residents forced to use caves as makeshift bunkers in Leepa Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The residents living near the Line of Control (LoC), are forced to take shelter in caves and underground bunkers due to continuous Indian shelling, which has caused casualties and insecurity, as they struggle to survive and seek peace.
Leepa Valley is a tiny village in Kashmir that is near the LoC, where one can witness the Indian and Pakistani Army taking positions for their countries.
Citizens who live next to the LoC in Leepa Valley endure continuous oppression and difficulties together with persisting survival battles. The people have been compelled to stay in caves or underground bunkers to shield their lives because they continuously face danger from Indian gunshots and shelling for peace.
The Kashmir Digital report places Leepa Valley in the vicinity of where Indian and Pakistani military forces keep watch along the LoC. Residents living in the valley have traditionally relocated to safer areas when India carried out heavy shelling and fired at their locations. Many people have chosen to build concrete bunkers underground for protection but others have found safety within the extensive mountain caves.
According to the reported findings Indian military attacks result in major civilian casualty rates. Since the start of artillery attacks, numerous innocent persons have died because artillery shells hit their targets. To protect themselves from attack the residents of the area use large caves as natural shields. The caves have transformed into essential safety zones where families can seek protection from the regular violent conditions affecting their residences.
The local population built underground bunkers by using reinforced concrete and steel materials. Families along with children utilise their shelters when intense firing happens. Most of these bunkers include basic essential facilities which enable people to stay safe during extended conflicts through water storage options and beds kitchens and toilet amenities.
Certain homes in the valley now include hidden underground areas together with tunnels which serve as emergency shelters. The secret spaces enable population movement without danger because they protect people from enemy firearms.
The residents of Leepa Valley remain perpetually fearful because they have been compelled to conceal themselves in mountaintops and underground areas despite their defensive attempts.
