🚜 Punjab CM Announces Possible Shift of India-Pakistan Border Fence: What It Means for Farmers

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has revealed that the Centre has agreed “in principle” to move the India-Pakistan border security fence closer to the actual boundary. While the Union Home Ministry has yet to issue an official statement, the move could bring significant relief to farmers whose land currently lies beyond the fencing. Realignment would allow thousands of acres to be cultivated without daily restrictions, easing hardships faced by border communities.

Jan 19, 2026 0 19

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The current fence, built in the 1990s to curb infiltration, lies 2–3 km inside Punjab in many areas, rather than the internationally accepted 150 metres from the zero line.
This has left large tracts of farmland inaccessible, forcing farmers to cross the fence daily with ID cards under BSF escort.
Shifting the fence closer to the border would return this land to the accessible side, enabling cultivation without fear or bureaucratic hurdles.

Thousands of acres of farmland would come within the fence, ending years of restricted access.
Farmers currently allowed to work only between 9 am and 4 pm would gain freedom to manage their fields more flexibly.
Women and labourers would be spared daily security checks, reducing stress and physical strain.
Irrigation challenges caused by lack of tubewell connections beyond the fence would be resolved, cutting losses.