Seeking ownership rights for thousands of border farmers cultivating land beyond the Defence Wire and Zero Line, senior BJP leader from Punjab and former Cabinet Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi led a delegation that met Union Home Minister Amit Shah here today and submitted a comprehensive memorandum.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin was also present during the meeting. Both senior leaders gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that the concerns raised would be examined with due seriousness, keeping in view the strategic importance of the border districts. Nabin also promised to visit Punjab at the earliest.
The delegation included Anish Sidana, representing the Arora Khatri community; Hansa Singh Comrade, representing the Rai Sikh community in the border belt; Pooran Chand, who contested the 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections from BJP; Baba Balwinder Singh, who contested the Zila Parishad elections; Devendar Jung, former Zila Parishad member; and Purushottam Kumar, an OBC leader.
Underlining the critical role of Punjab, Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi said, “Punjab is not just a border state — it stands at the frontline of India’s national security and remains central to the country’s food security. The people living in these regions deserve focused and time-bound policy attention.”
Raising the long-standing grievance of farmers cultivating land beyond the Defence Wire and Zero Line, Sodhi demanded ownership rights. “Thousands of farmers have been cultivating these lands for decades, yet they are denied ownership rights. This keeps them in a constant state of uncertainty. Granting ownership is not merely a policy decision, it is a matter of dignity and justice,” he said.
The memorandum called for four-laning of the Ferozepur-Fazilka Road and its declaration as a National Highway. “This stretch is critical from both civilian and defence perspectives. Heavy movement of defence vehicles often disrupts daily life. Upgrading this road is essential to ensure seamless mobility and strengthen logistical preparedness,” Sodhi emphasised.
He also advocated reopening of the Hussaini Wala Check Post, subject to national security considerations. “Hussaini Wala was once a thriving hub of trade and travel. Its reopening can revive economic activity and create employment opportunities for local populations,” he added.
On the recurring problem of floods in border districts, the memorandum stressed the need for robust flood protection infrastructure, including strengthening of bundhs, to safeguard lives, crops and livestock.
Sodhi also highlighted the need for a bridge connecting Khunder Gatti with Ferozepur city to provide direct connectivity to residents, especially the elderly, who are currently forced to take long detours.
Addressing youth unemployment and related social issues, he said industrial development in border districts was critical. “Bringing in Central PSUs and encouraging private investment will generate employment, reduce drug abuse and curb illegal activities. Economic opportunity is the strongest stabiliser in sensitive regions,” he observed.
In a forward-looking proposal, Rana Sodhi suggested introduction of a Vande Bharat Express connecting Fazilka to Shri Muktsar Sahib via Bathinda and onward to New Delhi.
