Syllabus:GS2/IR; GS3/Economy
In News
- The Union government has agreed in principle to shift the border security fence in Punjab closer to the International Border.
Present status
- Punjab shares a 532-kilometre-long border with Pakistan and is fenced with barbed wire, with the distance from the International Border varying from a few feet to 2 km.
- The electrified barbed wire fence was first installed in 1988 in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Ferozepur to prevent infiltration, militancy, and drug smuggling during Punjab’s militancy.
Issues and concerns
- About 21,500 acres of farmland and 10,000 acres of government land lie between the fence and the border, where farmers face restrictions.
- Access is limited to a few hours on certain days, with limits on the number of workers and tractors, and BSF rules require two Kisan Guards per tractor, further restricting daily field access.
Recommendations various Committee
- The Kapoor Committee, established in 1986, recommended compensating farmers whose land lay beyond the border fence.
- In 1988, the first payment of Rs 2,500 per acre was made, but compensation has been irregular and not provided annually.
- In 1992, the Border Area Sangharsh Committee was formed to advocate for farmers’ rights, but no solution has been found.
- The fence now affects six districts, including the newly carved Tarn Taran, Fazilka, and Pathankot.
Impacts of Latest Move
- The farmers of the border have long been demanding that the fence be moved closer to the IB, arguing that improved surveillance makes it feasible.
- Despite repeated proposals, progress remains limited, and the current fence restricts access to farmland, causing delays.
- Relocating it would ease access and allow unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres, offering major relief to farmers in Punjab’s border areas.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- The move to shift the Punjab border fence nearer to the International Border is a significant relief for farmers, resolving long-standing issues over limited access to their land.
- However, it also brings new security concerns that demand careful planning, upgraded technology, and close coordination between the Centre, state government, and BSF.
- Achieving a balance between national security and farmers’ interests will be crucial for the initiative’s success.
Source :IE
