Paper: GS – III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: Border Management, Issue: Punjab Border Fence Relocation.
Context:
Punjab farmers have demanded that the border security fence along the India–Pakistan border be shifted closer to the International Border (IB).
Key Takeaways:
The Border Fence Issue:
- Punjab shares a 532-km border with Pakistan, secured by a barbed wire fence.
- The distance between the fence and the IB varies, leaving approximately 21,500 acres of farmland belonging to Punjab farmers and 10,000 acres of government land beyond the fence.
- Farmers face restrictions in accessing their land, with limited gate access, restrictions on the number of people and tractors allowed, and mandatory BSF escorts.
Origin of the Fence:
- The electrified barbed wire fence was installed in 1988 in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Ferozepur during the peak of militancy in Punjab.
- The objectives were to curb infiltration, militancy, and drug smuggling.
- Farmers initially did not protest due to the difficult circumstances.
The Kapoor Committee:
- The Kapoor Committee was established in 1986 to address the hardships faced by border communities due to the fence.
- It recommended compensation for farmers whose land fell beyond the fence.
- In 1988, the first inconvenience compensation of Rs 2,500 per acre was released, but farmers report that it has not been consistently provided.
Reasons for Delay in Moving the Fence:
- Fence Condition: The existing fence, almost 40 years old, is in poor condition and would need to be replaced entirely.
- Cost: Procuring new barbed wire and infrastructure would require significant government investment.
- Security Concerns: While farmers argue that security concerns are mitigated by technology, security agencies may have reservations about reducing the physical barrier.
- Lack of Political Will: Farmers express frustration that the issue is repeatedly raised during elections but not addressed afterward.
Way Forward:
- Smart Border Management: Tech-enabled surveillance instead of excessive physical restrictions
- Farmer-Friendly Protocols: Flexible timings during sowing/harvest seasons
- Compensation Mechanisms: For crop loss due to security lockdowns
- Regular Civil–Security Dialogue: Institutionalised grievance redressal for border villagers
Source: (The Indian Express)
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