Shillong, Oct 20: The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) on Monday said that it is shocked and outraged by reports that the people of Lapangap are being prevented from reaping the harvest they themselves have planted.
“…allegedly at the behest or under pressure from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma,” MPMC president Joplin Scott Shylla said.
She also questioned the Meghalaya government’s silence on the issue while its own people are denied access to their own land and livelihood.
“Why are farmers in Lapangap, many of whom are women cultivators, being intimidated or stopped from harvesting their rightful crops? Is the Chief Minister of Assam now deciding who in Meghalaya can farm and harvest?” Shylla questioned.
According to the Mahila Pradesh president, this is a serious violation of the rights of indigenous communities and farmers.
“It is not just a land issue, it is about dignity, food security, and state sovereignty,” she said.
Shylla said that the state Mahila Congress demands immediate and public clarification from the government of Meghalaya regarding the situation in Lapangap.
“A firm response from Chief Minister Conrad Sangma: Why has your government failed to protect our own people from interference by Assam?” she said.
The Mahila Congress president demanded that the people of Lapangap be allowed to harvest their crops immediately, without fear, pressure, or political interference.
“If the Government of Meghalaya cannot stand with its own people, who will? We will not remain silent. Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress will stand with the farmers, mothers, and women of Lapangap whose hard work is being taken from them,” Shylla said even as she added.
