In the wake of heightened border tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, farmers in Jammu and Kashmir have begun harvesting their crops prematurely, fearing further unrest and potential disruptions to their livelihoods.
Local farmers, including Asghar Husain Shah from Gulpur Panchayat, expressed concerns over the security situation, with nearby areas like Karma, Kasaliya, Dawar, and Noorkote situated 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,” Shah said. “In times like these, anything can happen, and we want to be prepared. We are harvesting quickly so that if any situation arises, we won’t suffer major losses.”
Mushtaq, another farmer in the area, noted the growing fear among locals. “The situation is worsening day by day. Out of fear, people have started harvesting prematurely,” he explained. “Despite the tension, workers are rushing to complete the harvest, afraid of potential cross-border violence.”
Khetrapal Sharma, Pradhan of Shri Sanatan Sabha, also voiced concerns over the escalating fear among the people. He condemned the Pahalgam attack and highlighted the anger and anxiety among citizens, particularly farmers in border districts. “People are trying to secure their crops before it’s too late, as they feel vulnerable to any attack. Pakistan’s continuous provocations are adding to their distress,” Sharma said.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on April 22, left 26 people dead, further exacerbating the tense atmosphere in the region. The attack, which occurred near the popular tourist destination of Baisaran Meadow, has prompted widespread national outrage, with calls for stronger action against Pakistan.
In addition to security concerns, farmers are also dealing with the aftermath of severe weather events, such as landslides and flash floods on April 20 that caused widespread destruction in Ramban district and blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti has called for compensation for farmers whose crops were damaged in the disaster.
As the situation remains tense, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its investigation into the terror attack, and the Indian Army is on high alert, conducting search operations to neutralize any remaining threats. The farming community, meanwhile, continues to struggle with the uncertainty of their future, torn between salvaging their crops or risking further losses amid the rising tension.