Farmers In J&K Harvest Early As Border Tensions Rise Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

POONCH : Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are harvesting their crops prematurely amid tension at border areas in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
On Monday, while speaking to news agency, local farmer Asghar Husain Shah from Gulpur Panchayat condemned the attack and explained the situation.
He said, “Nearby Panchayats like Karma, Kasaliya, Dawar, and Noorkote lie close to the border. After the Pahalgam incident, our area has been on high alert. We’re deeply saddened by what happened and strongly condemn the attack.”
“Due to this, our locality has been disturbed. We are currently harvesting crops because in times like these, anything can happen, and we want to be prepared. We want to finish the harvest quickly so that if any situation arises, we won’t suffer major losses,” he said.
Another farmer, Mushtaq, was seen with other villagers harvesting corn.
“What can one do if there is a firing near the border? They (farmers) are working quickly and trying to finish the harvest, despite the tension. The situation is worsening day by day and is very dire. Out of fear, people have started harvesting prematurely. Workers standing near the Panchayat began cutting everything–they are very scared,” he told the reporters.
Furthermore, Khetrapal Sharma, the Pradhan of Shri Sanatan Sabha, said, “People across the country and the world have condemned what happened in Pahalgam. Such terror attacks originating from across the border continue to disrupt life in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“After this attack, there is immense anger throughout the country. The central government has also taken some diplomatic steps in response. Every citizen wants action to be taken. Unfortunately, even in border districts that were peaceful for many years, people are now uneasy. Because it’s harvest season, people are worried about their crops and are rushing to secure them. Pakistan continues to provoke India with repeated ambushes. What happened in Pahalgam this time was horrific; civilians were killed indiscriminately, without regard for whether someone was Hindu, Muslim, or Sikh. Every Indian wants Pakistan to face a strong response,” he added.
He further said, “People living along the border are terrified. They are trying to complete the harvest quickly, as they feel that at any moment they could be targeted. The tension in the area is high, and everyone fears for their safety.
This is the reality. People are trying to decide whether to harvest crops or leave them as fodder for cattle. Farmers are unsure whether their yield will survive or be turned into mere fodder. Many say they would rather take early losses than face destruction from cross-border violence.” (Agencies)