Inqulab Singh of Pakka Chistti village in Fazilka district, located one kilometre from the border, said that villagers are working in the fields as usual.
“A few families have left the village and taken their belongings to safer places as there is anxiety and panic, but by and large, calmness prevails,’’ he said.
Also, Jarnail Singh, sarpanch of Churiwala village in the same district said, “Life is normal in the village, a few odd families got panicked and moved their belonging, but all is well here.’’
Subash Sharma, a resident of Bareka village in Fazilka, whose home is about one kilometre from the zero line, said, “There is an atmosphere of panic among the villagers as everyone is discussing about what will happen next. But, as of now, life is going on normally, the farmers are working in the fields as usual, just behind the border fence. However, about two to three acres behind the fence, the BSF is not allowing access due to security reasons.”
“Nobody is allowed to work in their land, thus activities like post-harvesting and preparing fields for paddy sowing are affected in land areas beyond the fence and zero line. The gates are closed by the BSF,’’ he added.
Naseeb Singh of Palla Magha village in Ferozepur, located two and a half kilometres from the zero line, owns 15 acres of land. He said that the schools are closed in their district, but otherwise, life is normal.
