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Indo-Pak tension takes toll on RS Pura farmers


Indo-Pak tension takes toll on RS Pura farmers
250 acres of fertile land under occupation, villagers suffer causalities in landmine blasts  
AJEET THAKUR
JAMMU, JAN 15 : Scores of farmers continue to suffer in the border belt of Ranbir Singh Pura (R S Pura) as hundreds of acres of fertile land remains unattended due to the tension between the two countries. 
According to reports, at least 250 acres of land was used by the villagers of Nekowal along the India-Pakistan border for agriculture purposes till 1997. However, after 1997, when tension flared up between the two nuclear countries, the Border Security Force (BSF) manning the border planted landmines to prevent the infiltration of militants or any mischief by the Pak Army. 
Many people either died or received serious injuries when they stepped over the landmines that were planted by the BSF. Those injured in the blasts were given meager amount which did not even suffice their medical needs. 
"I lost my leg in a landmine blast in 2003. The officials provided Rs 5000 for treatment and promised another Rs 70,000. However, the promise was never kept," Rakesh Singh, a villager told State Observer. 
Besides Rakesh, another farmer Chunni Lal, son of Faqir Chand, who suffered injuries in a landmine blast in 1971 regrets official apathy. 
"Till now, I have received only Rs 2000 for treatment. The government added salt to my wounds," he said. 
In 2003, Lal said that the BSF further tightened the fencing along the border resulting in occupation of their agriculture land. 
"The entire land is under fencing now and is barred for civilian movement. Even if we have 

to go, we need to seek permission from BSF. Agriculture was our only source of income. How can we feed our families, when our land is under occupation," asked Lal. 
He said that the government should either remove the fence from their land or provide adequate compensation to the farmers so that they can earn bread and butter for their families by investing money in other ventures. 

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