Following sustained efforts by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Centre has moved to shift border fencing closer to the international boundary, a decision set to bring major relief to farmers long forced to cultivate under tight BSF restrictions.
With surveys now ordered across border districts, the move will bring lakhs of acres back within the fenced area, allowing farmers greater access, crop choice, and freedom from limited farming hours and repeated security checks.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “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.” Explaining the challenges faced by farmers, he said, “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.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann shared, “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.”
“Now letters have been issued to Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of border districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, and Ferozepur to conduct surveys and assess how close the fencing can be moved to the international border as per rules.
The SDMs have been asked to do surveys so that 300 metres of area can be well demarcated for the implementation of this decision well in time,” he added. Pointing to the benefits, he emphasised, “Lakhs of acres of land will come within the fenced area, allowing farmers to cultivate freely.”
Emphasising security and relief, he said, “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.”