Nongpoh, Aug 4: The Hills Farmers Union (HFU), Ri Bhoi district, has given the officer-in-charge of Byrnihat Police Station a 10-day deadline to submit a written explanation over allegations of illegal collection of money from livestock-carrying vehicles entering Meghalaya under the guise of ‘direct entry’.
The warning came after HFU leaders said they were unable to meet the OC on Monday despite a prior appointment. The delegation had gone to seek clarification following a field investigation into claims that vehicles transporting cattle, pigs and other livestock from outside the state were being allowed entry after allegedly paying illegal fees, raising concerns over biosecurity and disease spread.
HFU General Secretary Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew said the OC had agreed to meet at 11:30 am on Tuesday, but when the delegation arrived with a written request, they were told he had gone to court. The members waited till around 2 pm but the meeting did not take place.
The union wants answers on what the ‘direct entry’ system entails, where the money allegedly collected goes, what role police play in the collection, and under what legal provision it is being done.
Following the failed meeting, HFU resolved to give the OC 10 days to respond in writing. Kharsyntiew warned that if no satisfactory explanation is received, the Union will urge the state government to suspend the officer. “We do not want to take such a step, but the suffering of our farmers has reached an unbearable level,” he said.
Pig farmers from across Ri-Bhoi also spoke, saying unrestricted entry of pigs from outside the state has led to disease outbreaks that have wiped out local farms and caused losses running into several lakhs. Farmers including Baisroy Lyngdoh Mawnai of Shangbangla, Michael M. Suting of Nonglyngdoh, Samuel Hing, Baiakmenlang Syngkli and Milinda Jyrwa of Bhoirymbong said many had taken loans under the Piggery Mission and are now struggling to repay them. They urged the government to strengthen veterinary screening at entry points and to waive loans and provide compensation.
Later, an HFU delegation met Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhishek Saini and submitted its grievances. The union requested the DC to direct the OC to furnish the clarification and to constitute a Special Investigation Team to probe the alleged illegal collection. It also sought immediate directions to stop any such collection, arguing it is hurting genuine farmers and undermining livestock health safeguards.
HFU said transparency, accountability and strict enforcement of livestock regulations are essential to protect local farmers and prevent future outbreaks.
