SHILLONG: Residents of a border locality in Shella in East Khasi Hills are concerned over losing arable land to fencing.
The Sirdar of Elaka Umniuhtmar, Premier Sing Khongbeh told reporters on Monday, “We have apprised the state government of the matter and the KHADC had called a meeting. The 150 yards will soon become a no-man’s land. We have requested the government to compensate the farmers for the agricultural loss and not the loss of land but till now it is pending.”
He informed that there are plantations of approximately 40 farmers within 150 yards.
Commenting on cattle smuggling, Khongbeh said the Elaka is vigilant though traditional leaders do suspect presence of cattle smugglers nearby.
“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 anyone Rs 10,000 whoever gets hold of any cattle. But then the smugglers do find out different ways.”
Khongbeh said the Elaka Umniuhtmar has worked together with the BSF to tackle cattle smuggling.
