Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are hastily harvesting their crops due to escalating tension along the border, following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. This unexpected rush is driven by fears of potential violence that could devastate their livelihoods.
Local Farmers Voice Concerns Over Security and Harvest
Speaking to a local news agency, Asghar Husain Shah, a farmer from Gulpur Panchayat, expressed deep sorrow over the Pahalgam attack and explained how it has disrupted life in the border villages.
“Nearby Panchayats like Karma, Kasaliya, Dawar, and Noorkote lie dangerously close to the border. Since the attack, the entire area remains on high alert,” he said. “We are deeply saddened by the incident and condemn it strongly. The situation has left us disturbed, and we are forced to harvest our crops early to avoid significant losses if the situation worsens.”
Villagers Harvest Crops in Fear of Cross-Border Firing
Another local farmer, Mushtaq, was seen working with other villagers, rapidly cutting down their corn fields.
“What option do we have when there is constant fear of firing near the border?” Mushtaq shared with reporters. “Despite the tension, farmers are working tirelessly to complete the harvest. Each day, the situation grows more dangerous. Out of sheer fear, people are harvesting prematurely. Laborers and farmers near the Panchayat are cutting crops hurriedly, visibly scared for their lives.”
Community Leaders Condemn Violence and Highlight Rising Anxiety
In interview with local news agency, Khetrapal Sharma, Pradhan of Shri Sanatan Sabha, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, noting how such acts of violence disrupt life across Jammu and Kashmir.
“People from all corners of India and even globally have strongly condemned what happened in Pahalgam,” Sharma stated. “Terror attacks originating across the border continue to wreak havoc in our region. Following the recent incident, the nation’s anger is palpable. The central government has also taken diplomatic measures, and every citizen demands a firm response.”
Sharma highlighted that even peaceful border districts, previously free from unrest for years, are now engulfed in fear and uncertainty.
“Farmers are particularly worried,” he added. “This is the harvesting season, and they fear losing their crops to sudden violence. As a result, they are rushing to gather whatever yield they can before any escalation.”
Fear Grips Border Villages as Cross-Border Threats Persist
The situation along the border remains extremely tense. Sharma emphasized how life for residents near the border has drastically changed.
“People living in these areas are terrified,” he said. “They feel at any moment they could be targeted. Many farmers are unsure whether to harvest the remaining crops or leave them as cattle fodder. It’s a heartbreaking choice—suffer early losses or risk complete destruction.”
The terror attack in Pahalgam was particularly brutal, with civilians of all religions—Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh—targeted without discrimination.
“This horrific event has united every Indian,” Sharma emphasized. “Everyone demands that Pakistan faces a strong and fitting response.”
Premature Harvests Highlight the Fragility of Border Life
The premature harvesting in Jammu and Kashmir serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life in border areas. Farmers, the backbone of rural economies, now prioritize their safety over their yield. With mounting tension and the ever-present threat of violence, many see early losses as the lesser evil compared to complete devastation.
The aftermath of the Pahalgam attack has left deep scars on the farming communities of Jammu and Kashmir. The urgency to complete harvests amid fear and insecurity paints a grim picture of life near conflict zones. While the fields should be buzzing with the joy of harvest season, they are instead overshadowed by anxiety, uncertainty, and fear.
As diplomatic efforts continue and the nation demands justice, the resilience and courage of Jammu and Kashmir’s farmers stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who live in the shadow of conflict, choosing hope and survival over despair.
