Amid Indo-Pak tension, BSF's notice to Punjab farmers – 'Clear fields along zero line in 48-hour'

Even as the Pakistani forces continue to violate the ceasefire along the Line of Control, the Border Security Force has issued a notice to farmers along the zero line to clear fields in 48 hours. As per the report by the Hindustan Times, the BSF issued the notice on Saturday. Thousands of farmers have their fields near the border areas along the zero line.

The HT report says that roughly 45,000acres of land is cultivated by the farmers along the 530-km-long international boundary between India and Pakistan. A Finance Express Online report also stated that local gurdwara in Rouda Wala Khurd in Amritsar has been making the announcement regarding the BSF notice.

Not only Rouda Wala Khurd, gurdwaras located in villages in Tarn Taran, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts also made similar announcements. The gurdwara broadcasts have been urging farmers to clear filed and to harvest the crops as soon as possible because the access gates will be closed soon.

The HT report added that the forces are citing several security reasons for the field clearance on an urgent basis. The officials say that the crops standing in fields provide a cover to the anyone attempting to infiltrate the border. By making sure that the areas along the zero line are clear, the forces intend to increase vigilance along the critical regions.