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14h ago

Border Tensions Escalate as Farmers Rush Premature Harvests in Response to Security Concerns

Confusion surrounds BSF's alleged 48-hour crop clearance directive, with local officials denying formal orders despite mounting fears of cross-border violence.

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A view of the farm fields near the Attari-Wagah border crossing in Amritsar on Saturday. (REUTERS)

Overview

  • Farmers along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir are prematurely harvesting crops, citing fears of cross-border violence and potential lockdowns of access gates.
  • The Border Security Force (BSF) has reportedly urged farmers near the zero line to clear fields within 48 hours, citing unharvested crops as potential security risks for infiltration and patrol visibility.
  • Local administration in Amritsar, including Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, has denied issuing or receiving any formal BSF directive, labeling the clearance order as a rumor.
  • The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 tourists, has significantly heightened Indo-Pak tensions, leading to diplomatic downgrades, border closures, and visa curbs.
  • Farmers in border regions are struggling to meet the alleged deadline, with concerns over losing essential cattle fodder and uncertainty about future agricultural activities.