BSF tells farmers to finish harvesting, clear fields in 2 days

The Border Security Force (BSF) issued an urgent directive on Saturday to farmers along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab to complete harvesting and clear their fields within 48 hours, as tensions escalate following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists in Kashmir last week.

- Surjit Singh and Gaurav Sagar Bhaskar

AMRITSAR/FEROZEPUR:

The heightened security measure affects thousands of farmers with agricultural land situated in the sensitive zone between the border fence and the zero line—a unique challenge for Punjab's border communities who cultivate approximately 45,000 acres across the 530km international boundary.

Village gurdwaras across Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka districts broadcast announcements warning farmers that access gates to these forward areas would soon be closed, potentially cutting off access to their lands indefinitely if the situation deteriorates further.