Border security increased with the start of wheat harvesting in Punjab
Abohar, Apr 16 (ANI): The Border Security Force (BSF) has increased patrolling near the India-Pakistan border in Abohar of Punjab with the start of wheat harvesting.
The step has been taken to keep a check on illegal trespassing across thendia-Pakistan border.
Every year during the harvesting season, the security is increased in the border areas, as the farmers have to go across the fence to get their produce and, in such a situationillegal trespassing is feared.
The BSF personnel met the farmers on April 10 and gave them necessary instructions. The farmers have been asked to carry their identity cards and also carry the cards for their machines like threshers.
The farmers are comfortable with these measures as their security is also ensured by the BSF.
"The BSF is quite helpful. Pakistan is in a bad condition. Their farmers also harvest at the same time. The BSF has taken full responsibility for our security. We feel very secure because of them," said Lakhbir Singh, a farmer.
The BSF soldiers accompany the farmers on their fields that are near the fence and are specially manned.
The farmers who go across the fence are frisked, so is their produce and the bullock carts. Even the soldiers who go across the fence with them are frisked.
The BSF personnel believe that there could be anti-social elements trying to cross the border illegally, which needs to be kept in check.
"The condition in the neighbouring country is not that good. Hence, we have increased the security for the farmers who have to go across the fence to get their produce. We have increased patrolling and ensured whatever other measures could be taken to ensure security." said Sukhjinder Singh, a BSF official.
The farmers are encouraged to thresh the wheat the same day, as it is cut and not pile and bundle them. The troops have been alerted so as to curb illegal trespassing. By Avtar Singh Gill (ANI)