A seven-kilometre stretch of double barbed fence has made it difficult to cultivate the land due to restrictions of border security. One fence close to the villages falling near the riverine belt of Ravi, was erected in the Nineties to ward off anti-national elements from Pakistan. Another barbed fence, part of the overall project to lay electrified barbed fence to ward off terrorists, was added later, but the previous one was not dismantled in this sector.

“The land between the two fences is most productive, but it cannot be cultivated and there is no compensation being paid to us,” rued Khajjan Singh, a farmer, adding that while the zig-zag barbed fence on the border is restricting farming activities, the double fence is a specific problem of these villages.

“The BSF and the civil administration impose a curfew from evening to morning and even during the daytime, farmers have to get identity cards and undergo security checks to reach their land,” said Jasbir Singh, another farmer whose about 40 acres is “locked up” between the two fences. The worst affected villages are Ranian, Kakkar, Bhadru, Chak Allah Baksh and Manjhgaon.

“Raniyan has nearly 1,300 acres, while Kakkar has nearly 1,000 acres locked up,” said Lakhwinder Singh, another farmer, adding that it is difficult to even sell off the land.

“We have written to the authorities several times, but no action has been taken. Now we hear that the fence is being relocated towards the zero line. But before that is done, our problem should be redressed,” voiced the farmers here. Gurbax Singh, another farmer, rued that political leaders urge them for votes and make promises, but when it comes to deliver, nothing happens.