Capt seeks relief for border farmers

Our Correspondent

Ferozepur, October 17

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said today that Hussainiwala would be developed as an eco-tourism hub, for which he announced a special grant of Rs 1 crore.

The CM demanded the acquisition of land beyond the border fence by the Centre, saying that it was not being optimally used for agriculture due to security restrictions imposed by the BSF.

“Till these pieces of land are acquired, the farmers should be compensated for the loss of livelihood,” he added.

He said the state government was mulling a special package for the development of border districts — Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka.

He sought the Centre’s support for the state’s development programmes, to which Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh promised “all possible help”.

The CM sought liberal compensation from the Centre for land damaged and rendered unfit for farming due to military deployment. He reiterated the state’s demand for similar tax incentives and promotion schemes for the region as were being given to the hill and north-eastern regions.

“The border roads of this area should be taken up for special development and maintenance under the National Highway Programme” Capt Amarinder said, adding that this would provide better access to the defence forces in securing the border and ensure greater connectivity for the region’s development.