The uproar in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the delay in compensating farmers for their acquired land is a stark reminder of the bureaucratic hurdles that continue to exist. BJP legislators from border constituencies-Devender Kumar Manyal, Surjit Singh Slathia and Vijay Kumar Sharma-have raised serious concerns over the inordinate delay in disbursing compensation to farmers whose lands have been acquired for border fencing and security purposes. Their claims that Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts are withholding crores of rupees in compensation despite having funds at their disposal paint a troubling picture of administrative inefficiency and neglect.
For years, farmers in these border districts have been deprived of both their rightful compensation and the ability to cultivate their lands beyond the fencing. Some cases have been pending for over a decade and a half, reflecting an unacceptable level of Governmental apathy. This issue is not merely about financial relief but also about justice for those who have sacrificed their land for national security. Border farmers endure extreme hardships, including cross-border shelling, loss of livelihood, and displacement, making it important for the Government to act decisively in their favour.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s intervention and assurance of convening a meeting with International Border and Line of Control MLAs is a welcome step, but mere assurances are no longer sufficient. The Government’s claim that only Rs 11 crore of the Rs 155 crore allocated for compensation remains undistributed suggests that a significant amount has already been paid. However, if funds are indeed available, why are so many cases still unresolved? Transparency in the disbursement process must be ensured, and accountability must be fixed on officials who are unnecessarily delaying the payments. The heated debate in the Assembly underscores the broader concern that border issues should transcend party lines. Political grandstanding must not overshadow the dire needs of the farming community, who rely on these payments for survival.
Beyond compensation, another pressing concern is the demand for allowing cultivation of land beyond the fencing. Farmers in border areas traditionally relied on these lands for livelihood, so denying them access further deepens their economic struggles. The Government, in consultation with security agencies, must explore ways to facilitate safe and regulated farming in these areas. The issue of land ownership, security concerns, and practical solutions must be addressed practically to ensure that farmers are not left in perpetual limbo.
The challenges faced by border farmers extend beyond compensation and cultivation restrictions. They live in some of the most vulnerable conditions, facing the brunt of hostile cross-border activity. The lack of adequate infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities further exacerbates their struggles. While compensation is a crucial short-term relief, the Government must also implement long-term policies aimed at uplifting these communities. Initiatives such as crop insurance, financial aid, and alternative livelihood programmes should be expanded to ensure sustainable development.
The role of the local administration in this issue must also be scrutinised. The allegations against the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts indicate a failure of governance at the grassroots level. If officials are indeed sitting on funds despite availability, strong action must be taken against them. The Government must also set clear deadlines for compensation disbursement and ensure that affected farmers receive their due without further bureaucratic roadblocks.
In the broader context, the neglect of border farmers highlights the need for a comprehensive border policy that prioritises the welfare of residents in these sensitive areas. Development projects, better connectivity, and improved security measures must be implemented to improve their overall quality of life. The suffering of border farmers cannot be reduced to an annual discussion in the Assembly; it needs to be a resolved chapter in governance. The Government must act decisively by enforcing strict deadlines for compensation disbursement, facilitating the cultivation of land beyond the fencing wherever possible, and implementing long-term measures to improve the lives of border residents.
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