Lahore: The recent rise in tensions between India and Pakistan has started to affect not only the Line of Control (LoC) but also the Working Boundary between the two countries. Residents of Pakistani villages located near the Working Boundary being advised by authorities to complete the wheat harvest as quickly as possible, amid concerns over potential conflict escalation.
While no visible military mobilization has been observed so far in these areas, local officials have encouraged farmers to expedite the harvesting process. Pakistani authorities have also offered government assistance and resources to those in need of help with the harvest.
The Working Boundary runs through three sectors on the Pakistani side: Sialkot, Zafarwal, and Shakargarh—two of which fall under the jurisdiction of Narowal District. Local officials in Narowal said that the wheat crop is ready and harvesting is underway, but added that due to fears of possible Indian aggression, villagers have been instructed to store the harvested wheat promptly.
"In the past, Indian forces have fired mortar shells into villages along the Working Boundary, causing casualties, killing livestock, and damaging crops," the official said. "Many farmers in these regions lack modern harvesting equipment, so the district administration is coordinating with Punjab's relevant departments to provide necessary support."
Mohammad Ramzan, a resident of the village Lahri near Zafarwal, said mosque loudspeakers have been used to urge farmers to complete the harvest urgently due to the threat of potential Indian attacks. "Since the announcement, we’ve been heading to our fields at daybreak and working as fast as possible to finish the harvest," he explained.
Rashid Ahmad, a resident of Jandiala village near the border, highlighted another concern. "Because our village is close to the Indian side, we’ve been instructed not to use outdoor lighting at night, making it impossible to work after dark."
Normally, the wheat harvest in this region extends into the second week of May, but following recent announcements, efforts are underway to wrap it up much sooner.
Similar alerts were also issued recently on the Indian side. In Indian Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, villagers were reportedly told by the Border Security Force (BSF) to harvest their crops within two days. Prabh Sharan Singh, former village head of Pind Rossa, confirmed the urgency communicated by the BSF.
Local farmer Harkirat Singh expressed frustration at the limited access to fields near the border gate. “Thousands are demanding to harvest their crops, but only a few are allowed at a time, and resources are limited.”
Smaller farmers on both sides of the border face the greatest challenges. Without their own machinery, they must rely on larger landowners for harvesting support, which adds to their difficulties under the current tense conditions.
[Human Online, BBC]
