SHILLONG: The Elaka of Umniuhtmar is struggling with issues regarding the border fencing at 150 yards distance and cattle smuggling.
Speaking of the border fencing, Sirdar of Elaka Umniuhtmar, Premier Sing Khongbeh told reporters on Monday, “We have apprised about the matter time and again to the state government ,even the KHADC also called for a meeting.”
“The 150 yards will soon become a no man’s land. We have requested the government to recompense the farmers for the agricultural loss and not the loss of land, but till now it is pending,” he said.
He informed that there are plantations of approximately 40 farmers within the 150 yards that to become no man’s land along the border.
Commenting on cattle smuggling, Khongbeh said the Elaka is vigilant although the traditional leaders do suspect presence of cattle smugglers.
“The dorbar has decided to not allow cattle smuggling within the jurisdiction of Elaka Umniuhtmar,” he said.
Headman Amirphor Mawkon said, “We have banned cattle smuggling, we also proposed to reward of Rs 10,000 to anyone who can get hold of any cattle. But then the smugglers do find out different ways.”
Khongbeh said that the Elaka Umniuhtmar has worked together with the BSF to tackle cattle smuggling.