Jammu and Kashmir — Amid heightened border tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, farmers in regions near the border, such as Gulpur Panchayat, have started harvesting their crops prematurely. Asghar Husain Shah, a local farmer, expressed deep concerns over the attack, explaining that nearby Panchayats are close to the border, and their area has been on high alert since the incident.
Shah highlighted the urgency for farmers to complete their harvests, fearing potential cross-border violence that could lead to significant crop loss. Mushtaq, another local farmer, also shared his fears, noting that farmers are rushing to finish their harvest despite the rising tensions.
The attack has sparked widespread anger across the country, with Khetrapal Sharma, Pradhan of Shri Sanatan Sabha, condemning the act and urging for a strong response against Pakistan. Sharma noted that the attack, which led to the deaths of civilians, had created widespread fear among those living near the border. Farmers are particularly worried about their crops, some of which may be turned into fodder for cattle instead of being harvested.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, has prompted political solidarity from across party lines, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convening an all-party meeting to denounce the terrorist violence. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently intensifying its investigation, questioning eyewitnesses and searching for evidence related to the attack.
In addition to the security concerns, the region has been facing challenges due to heavy rain and landslides on April 20, particularly in Ramban district, where the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was blocked. The PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has called for government compensation for farmers whose crops have been damaged by extreme weather conditions.
As security forces continue to operate in the area, the situation remains tense, with both farmers and residents on edge, fearing further instability.