Talwandi Sabo:Persistent efforts by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann have borne fruit, with the Centre directing a shift in border fencing closer to the international boundary. The decision promises substantial relief to farmers in border areas, who have long faced stringent Border Security Force (BSF) restrictions on cultivation.

Surveys have been ordered across relevant districts to reposition the fencing, bringing lakhs of acres within the secured perimeter. This will enable farmers to access their fields freely, choose crops without constraint, and escape the burden of restricted hours and constant security scrutiny.

CM Mann explained: “With the Union Home Minister, we have raised this issue many times that for farmers living along the border, the fencing along the international border with Pakistan is placed three to four kilometres inside on the Indian side. As a result, their fields are left beyond the fence.”

He detailed the hardships: “Farmers are allowed to go beyond the fence for cultivation only at fixed hours decided by the BSF. They cannot go before 9 am, they are frisked, and they are accompanied by security forces. This is to ensure that no smuggled goods or weapons are brought back. After 4 pm, they cannot stay in the fields, and they are again searched while returning. A significant amount of time of the security forces is also spent in checking our own citizens.”

The Chief Minister recounted his intervention: “We strongly raised this issue, and the Union Home Minister had assured that it would be resolved soon. Farmers have long been forced to cross the fence with identity cards and under BSF escort to reach their own fields, facing daily hardship and uncertainty along the 532 km India-Pakistan border where fencing lies deep inside Punjab’s territory.”

He added that directives have now been issued to Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of border districts—Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka—to conduct surveys alongside Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs). The aim is to demarcate 300 metres from the international border for timely implementation.

“Lakhs of acres of land will come within the fenced area, allowing farmers to cultivate freely,” Mann emphasised, highlighting dual gains for security and agriculture. “This will also make it easier for the BSF, as being closer to the border will improve visibility and help prevent anti-social activities. I want to announce on this sacred occasion that lakhs of farmers will benefit from this decision.”