Fortune India
The name Kirana Hills, is unlikely, anyone in India had heard of before. All that changed with India's successful Operation Sindoor and subsequent attacks hitting Pakistan's airbases. Kirana Hills, as a result, burst into spotlight.
What led to it becoming famous? A purported airstrike on it by India is the answer.
In the aftermath of India's attacks, social media has been abuzz with claims that India had struck the secretive Kirana Hills. There have been images as well.
During a press conference, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti denied that India had hit the Kirana Hills. Although, his answer was interpreted to be rather tongue-in-cheek by many in the media.
This area has earned the nickname, 'Pakistan's Area 51.' But don't worry, it has nothing to do with aliens or flying saucers. Instead, it is believed that it houses Pakistan's top secret nuclear facility and warheads in underground bunkers.
The location was constructed way back in the 1980s, during the heydays of Pakistan's nuclear testing phase. It lies near the city of Sargodha in Punjab and was developed as a military base.
Despite flat denial by Pakistan, its actions led to decades of speculations. To begin with, soon after developing the area, Pakistan Air Force integrated it into its Mushaf Airbase complex, and began to cover it with a massive layer of security.
As per news reports, Kirana Hills is said to be a large underground bunker, with over 10 tunnels. Inside these tunnels lies a stockpile of nuclear warheads.
Kirana Hills' connection with Pakistan's nuclear project is certain. During the 1990s, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission under the supervision of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, even conducted a series of nuclear tests here, which they called 'Kirana-1.'
The very fact that Kirana Hills has burst into spotlight itself is a victory for India, because now people are asking about its nature and function, putting Pakistan in a tight spotlight.
Whether India struck the place or no, is a different question. But the moot point is this: The secrets of Kirana Hills are beginning to trickle out. One at a time.