By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 22: Farmers transporting agricultural produce out of the state are allegedly being extorted by unidentified individuals claiming to collect government taxes. The FKJGP has raised concerns over these illegal activities.
During a media briefing following a meeting with Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, FKJGP president Dundee Khongsit alleged that these individuals demand sums ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 from farmers. “This is not tax collection but outright looting,” Khongsit stated. He emphasised that these incidents are prevalent in the Byrnihat area, where farmers often face detention of their vehicles for 2-3 hours if they refuse to pay the demanded money.
To address this issue, Khongsit urged the government to issue road delivery challans for the Meghalaya Vegetable Association. This measure would enable drivers to lodge formal complaints with the police regarding such extortion attempts. Additionally, the FKJGP Agriculture Unit highlighted concerns over deteriorating road conditions in the Lumshnong area.
In response, the minister assured that she would consult with the Transport Department regarding the FKJGP’s request for tax exemptions for the association. Lyngdoh also noted that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) would need to provide input on this matter. Regarding the extortion allegations, Lyngdoh clarified that the Agriculture department is not the appropriate authority to handle such reports, and that any allegations should be directed to the relevant departments.