Centre has agreed in principle to shift the border security fence in Punjab closer to the International Border. 

 

The move will clear the way for unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres of farmland that currently falls beyond the fencing, bringing major relief for farmers in Punjab’s border belt. Punjab shares a 532-kilometre-long border with Pakistan. 

 

At present, hundreds of farmers tilling their thousands of acres of land on the border have to cross the fence for a limited time period under the strict supervision of the Border Security Force (BSF) for security reasons. 

 

Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, while informing about this development, said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the issue is under active consideration and the fencing will be shifted towards the border, bringing Punjab’s land back on the accessible side without compromising the national security.

 

Mr Mann had called upon the Home Minister yesterday to discuss this and various other state-related issues with him.