(Orissa Today) : Amid escalating tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Border Security Force (BSF) has issued an urgent advisory to farmers along the India-Pakistan border. The advisory requests farmers to harvest and clear their fields within 48 hours, citing national security as a paramount concern. This directive impacts approximately 45,000 acres of agricultural land near Punjab’s 530-kilometer frontier. Announcements were relayed via local gurdwaras in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka districts.
Farmers already face challenges due to delayed harvesting caused by recent rains. Additional harvesting machinery has been deployed to expedite operations. However, many farmers struggle to meet the tight deadline and fear further disruptions in agricultural cycles if the situation worsens. Videos of the advisory have gone viral, prompting clarification from Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, who stated that no official directive had been issued.
Meanwhile, heightened security measures across the border, including increased deployment of Pakistani rangers, have further intensified concerns. Farmers are appealing for additional government support and resources to navigate these turbulent times while safeguarding their livelihoods.
