NuzTube INDIA
Punjab, May 11 — Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have begun to severely impact Punjab’s agricultural sector and daily life. With fear of war looming, thousands of migrant workers are fleeing the state, leaving behind farms and half-finished work during the crucial paddy and maize seasons.
Traditionally, this period witnesses a heavy influx of labourers from states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. But this year, almost no new arrivals have been reported, and those already in Punjab are leaving in large numbers. Many were seen crowding bus terminals in Hoshiarpur and railway stations in Jalandhar, desperately trying to return home.
“Koi baat nahi iss baar paisa nahi kamayenge, agar jaan bach gayi toh paisa toh phir bhi kam lenge,” said a labourer heading back to Bihar — “We don’t care about earning money right now; if we survive, we’ll earn later.”
Farmers like Gurdeep Singh Khun Khun, Gurmeet Singh Baghpur, and Bhupinder Singh have voiced concerns over the looming labour shortage, fearing disruption in paddy transplantation and maize harvesting. Some had already paid advances to the workers, and their sudden departure poses not only an operational challenge but financial losses.
Meanwhile, a wave of panic buying has taken over local markets. Fears of missile attacks and supply chain disruptions have pushed residents to hoard essentials. Despite air raid sirens and administrative warnings, people continued queuing up at grocery shops to stock up on basic necessities.
Adding to the crisis is a sudden spike in demand for battery inverters due to power outages over the past two days. Long lines were seen outside inverter shops, with many customers pre-booking units as sellers struggled to meet demand.
“I haven’t had time to even eat properly,” said local inverter dealer Rakesh Sharma, overwhelmed by the surge in orders.
The administration has urged calm, advising shopkeepers not to sell in bulk and citizens to avoid panic-driven purchases — but with war anxiety rising, the public response remains frantic.
