CM Mann said that the realignment will provide unhindered access to thousands of acres of farmland currently trapped beyond the fencing.

CM Bhagwant Mann Meets Amit Shah; Raises Border Fencing, Seeds Bill, and SYL Issues

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced that the Centre has agreed in principle to shift the security fencing closer to the International Border (IB). 

According to a report, the decision followed a high-level meeting between the Chief Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, aimed at resolving long-standing issues affecting farmers along the 532-km-long India-Pakistan border.

CM Mann said that the realignment will provide unhindered access to thousands of acres of farmland currently trapped beyond the fencing. Farmers have been forced to cross the fence using identity cards under BSF escort, facing significant daily hurdles for many years. 

Beyond the border issue, Mann raised strong objections to the proposed Seeds Bill 2025, noting that it lacks state representation and forcing farmers to depend on private companies for seeds is not in their interest.

The Chief Minister also reiterated Punjab's firm stance on the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, asserting that the state has no surplus water to share. 

Among other concerns raised were the non-payment of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Mandi Fund, the freezing of the Arthia Commission since 2019-20, and the slow movement of food grains by the FCI. 

According to the report, the Chief Minister sought a prompt and time-bound resolution for these pending matters to protect the state's interests.

Source: The Tribune