Question : FIRING ON BORDER

(a) The number of persons and livestock injured/killed in fire incidents across the international border during each of the last three years till date;

(b) The details of compensation/employment etc. provided to victims of such incidents during the said period;

(c) Whether a huge chunk of our agriculture land is in between zero line and new fencing at the IB and land owners are allowed for farming as per their convenience;

(d) If so, the details thereof; and

(e) If not, the steps taken by the Government to protect the rights of villagers living along international border?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)

(a): No firing incident has been reported across the international border with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar during the last three years.

There were four persons killed and nine injured during the year 2006 (till date) in firing incidents across international border with Bangladesh. No such incident took place during the year 2004 & 2005 on this border.

(b):The amount of compensation etc. to the victims of such firing incidents is decided by the State Government concerned.

(c) to (e):Yes, sir. Some area of agricultural land lies between zero line and fencing on the International border along Pakistan and Bangladesh. In these areas, gates have been provided at suitable distance to facilitate farmers to cultivate their fields between zero line and fencing. The timing for opening of gates is decided locally in consultation with the village Panchayats as per their convenience. In addition, the gates are opened as and when required by the farmers to meet any emergent requirements.