By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 12: The Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has urged the state government to provide compensation to farmers who are unable to harvest their paddy, and to extend relief to those who could not cultivate within Lapangap village in West Jaintia Hills district.
The border forum said farmers in Lapangap continue to live in fear due to the prevailing insecurity in the area, following recurring clashes between members of the Karbi community of Assam and the Pnar community of Meghalaya.
Speaking to reporters, HBDRF chairman Chandame Sungoh said that most residents of Lapangap are farmers who have long been afraid to visit their fields.
It may be recalled that on October 9, a violent clash broke out between the Karbi and Pnar communities, leading to the death of one Karbi man from Assam and injuries to several others from both sides.
Sungoh alleged that the latest incident occurred when members of the Karbi community pelted stones and opened fire at Lapangap villagers while they were harvesting their paddy despite the presence of police personnel from both Meghalaya and Assam.
“This is not the first incident. From time to time, the Karbi community continues to harass villagers whenever they go to harvest their crops. Because of this, many residents of Lapangap avoid going to their fields out of fear of being attacked,” the HBDRF chairman said.
He added that the people of Lapangap are now living in a state of constant fear.
The forum has also urged the state government to increase security deployment in the area to ensure the safety of farmers and restore confidence among the local population.
