Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 28 (ANI): Farmers across Jammu and Kashmir are harvesting their crops prematurely amid escalating tensions along the border following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking to ANI on Monday, local farmer Asghar Husain Shah from Gulpur Panchayat condemned the attack and described the tense situation on the ground.
He said, “Nearby panchayats like Karma, Kasaliya, Dawar, and Noorkote lie close to the border. After the Pahalgam incident, our area has been placed on high alert. We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and strongly condemn the attack.”
“Due to the current atmosphere, our community has been severely disrupted. We are hastily harvesting our crops because, in times like these, anything can happen, and we want to be prepared. Our goal is to complete the harvest quickly to avoid significant losses should the situation deteriorate further,” he added.
Another farmer, Mushtaq, was seen working alongside other villagers, hurriedly harvesting corn.
“What can we do if firing erupts near the border? The farmers are working as quickly as possible to finish the harvest, despite the mounting tension. The situation is worsening day by day, and fear has gripped the area. Workers near the Panchayat have begun cutting everything in sight—they are extremely frightened,” he told reporters.
Khetrapal Sharma, Pradhan of Shri Sanatan Sabha, also commented on the prevailing situation.
“People across the nation and the world have condemned the horrific events in Pahalgam. Such terror attacks from across the border continue to disrupt life in Jammu and Kashmir,” Sharma said.
“Following the attack, there is immense anger throughout the country. The central government has taken diplomatic steps in response, and every citizen demands decisive action. Even border districts, which had remained peaceful for years, are now enveloped in fear. Since it is harvest season, farmers are rushing to secure their crops. Pakistan’s repeated provocations must not go unanswered. The Pahalgam incident was particularly gruesome, with civilians indiscriminately killed, regardless of whether they were Hindu, Muslim, or Sikh. Every Indian now demands a strong and firm response,” he emphasized.
He further noted, “Residents living along the border are terrified. They are desperate to complete the harvest quickly, fearing they could be targeted at any moment. The atmosphere is extremely tense. Farmers face a harsh decision—whether to harvest immediately or leave their crops, risking them becoming mere fodder for cattle. Many prefer to accept early losses rather than risk complete destruction from cross-border violence.”
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the Ramban district suffered severe destruction following heavy rains on April 20, which triggered landslides and flash floods. The natural calamity led to widespread damage and blocked the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Tragically, three people, including two children, lost their lives in Bagahana village after two houses collapsed due to a landslide.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti addressed a press conference, highlighting the extensive damage caused by the disaster. She also pointed out significant crop damage in Jammu and Kashmir due to strong winds, urging the government to provide compensation to affected farmers.
“In Jammu, strong winds have damaged basmati rice and other crops, while in Kashmir, apple and almond trees are under threat. The government must act swiftly to compensate farmers,” she said.
The terror attack on April 22 occurred around 2 p.m. at Baisaran Meadow, near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam. Following the attack, in a rare display of political unity, leaders from various parties convened at an all-party meeting led by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to vehemently condemn the horrific terrorist attack.
Meanwhile, National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams, stationed at the Pahalgam attack site since April 23, have intensified their evidence-gathering efforts. Senior officers, including an Inspector General (IG), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and Superintendent of Police (SP) from the anti-terror agency, are actively questioning eyewitnesses to the April 22 attack.
Additionally, the Indian Army remains on high alert, conducting extensive search operations to neutralize terrorists following the Pahalgam attack. The incident has ignited nationwide outrage, with protests erupting across the country, demanding stringent action against Pakistan. (ANI)
About The Author
