Shillong, Jun 1: The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) today accused the Meghalaya government of using “the present political battle to hide the human rights violation” of villagers in Lapangap, where farmers have been unable to cultivate paddy for 19 days despite SF-10 deployment.
After the latest spell of violence erupted between villagers from Assam and Meghalaya over the disputed village, the Meghalaya government announced the deployment of SF-10 police personnel to the village on May 13. “However, till today, these villagers are still not able to start cultivation, which is their main source of income to feed their family,” KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said.
Passah alleged that Meghalaya police at Lapangap “are mere spectators” while Karbi groups create unrest. “We have seen that there is a violation of law and order by the Karbi people, wherein they have used catapults and are throwing stones at the Lapangap villagers, right in the presence of the Assam Police,” he said. “It seems that Assam Police are working hand in glove with the Karbi villagers who are creating law and order problems.”
He further alleged that “the Karbi people have forced our villages to register their lands with the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, putting up gates to collect taxes from our poor farmers.”
Passah noted that the Meghalaya Chief Minister has met the Assam CM on the issue, “however it is not clear as to when can the villagers get to cultivate their paddy field, or is the government waiting till there are casualties?”
