Written by Kanchan VasdevChandigarh | January 18, 2026 03:43 AM IST 2 min readUnion Home Minister Amit Shah with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in New Delhi on Saturday. ANIPunjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday claimed a major relief for farmers in the state’s border belt saying that the Centre has agreed in principle to shift the security fence closer to the International Border.Speaking to reporters after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, CM Mann said the move will clear the way for unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres of farmland currently trapped beyond the fencing.“We share over 532 km of border with Pakistan. The barbed wire fence on our side is about 2 km from the International Border. Thousands of acres of agricultural land fall in this area. Farmers have long been forced to cross the fence with identity cards and under the BSF escort to reach their own fields, facing daily hardship and uncertainty. If this area is squeezed to 300 meters from the border, huge chunks of land will be freed,” he said.Also Read | ‘Private companies cannot dictate to us’: Bhagwant Mann meets Amit Shah, opposes Seed BillHe claimed that the Union home minister informed him during the meeting that the issue is under active consideration and that the fencingwill be shifted towards the border, bringing Punjab’s land back on the accessible side without compromising national security.Mann said the issue was not new. The fence was earlier shifted deeper and closer to the International Border in Pathankot. “This is doable and will be done. The days of hardship of farmers will be over.”During his meting with Shah, Mann also raised other issues, including Punjab’s objections to the proposed Seeds Bill 2025, the dilution of Punjab’s role in Chandigarh’s administration, slow movement of foodgrains by the Food Corporation of India, freezing of Arthia Commission, non-payment of Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Mandi Fund, and the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute. He sought a prompt and time-bound resolution of these matters.Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... 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