Jammu & Kashmir: Cops ask people to build nuke-proof bunkers

New Delhi, Jan 24: As the recent ceasefire violations by

have exacerbated the situation in

, the authorities have advised people living near the Line of Control to take certain precautions in case a nuclear conflict breaks out.

Through an advisory in 'Greater Kashmir', an English daily, the Srinagar police have urged the residents to construct underground bunkers and toilets. They have been asked to stock water and food items which will suffice for at least two weeks.

Torches, candles and a radio are the other necessary things mentioned in the advisory that is titled 'Protection against Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Weapons'.

Referring to the fallout immediately after an atomic bomb is detonated, the notice makes it clear that people should wait for the resultant shock wave and not stir out of their bunkers.

"Blast wind will generally end in one or two minutes after burst and burns, cuts and bruises are no different than conventional injuries," the advisory says. "Expect some initial disorientation as the blast wave may blow down and carry away many prominent and familiar features," it adds.

The advisory points out that "If the blast wave does not arrive within five seconds of the flash, you were far enough from the ground zero."

Although there would be a blinding flash of light immediately after the nuclear explosion, the police assured that "The dazzle is temporary and vision should return in few seconds."

Taxi drivers should not stay put in their vehicle as it can be blown away and debris may also fall upon the vehicle, the police stressed.

As for why they felt the need to warn the people at a time when there is heightened tension in the region due to the killing of Lance Naik Hemraj and Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh on Jan 8, police officials averred that they issue such advisories throughout the year.

Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons. Given the tremendous risks associated with their use, the two countries have been extra cautious so far and ensured that existing disputes do not trigger anything more than conventional wars.

OneIndia News