Centre agrees to shift fence closer to IB: Mann after meeting Shah

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday claimed a major relief for farmers in the state’s border belt saying that the Centre has agreed in principle to shift the security fence closer to the International Border.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, CM Mann said the move will clear the way for unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres of farmland currently trapped beyond the fencing.

“We share over 532 km of border with Pakistan. The barbed wire fence on our side is about 2 km from the International Border. Thousands of acres of agricultural land fall in this area. Farmers have long been forced to cross the fence with identity cards and under the BSF escort to reach their own fields, facing daily hardship and uncertainty. If this area is squeezed to 300 meters from the border, huge chunks of land will be freed,” he said.

He claimed that the Union home minister informed him during the meeting that the issue is under active consideration and that the fencing

will be shifted towards the border, bringing Punjab’s land back on the accessible side without compromising national security.

Mann said the issue was not new. The fence was earlier shifted deeper and closer to the International Border in Pathankot. “This is doable and will be done. The days of hardship of farmers will be over.”

During his meting with Shah, Mann also raised other issues, including Punjab’s objections to the proposed Seeds Bill 2025, the dilution of Punjab’s role in Chandigarh’s administration, slow movement of foodgrains by the Food Corporation of India, freezing of Arthia Commission, non-payment of Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Mandi Fund, and the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute. He sought a prompt and time-bound resolution of these matters.

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’... Read More