Shillong, Oct 23: Despite the ongoing land dispute and alleged restriction by authorities, the Hill Farmers’ Union (HFU) on Thursday led a group of farmers to Lapangap to assist in harvesting paddy, insisting that agricultural livelihood must not be disrupted.
The HFU West Jaintia Hills District unit, led by its President Mutshuwa Thabah, along with Central Body President Bah Commander Shangpliang, mobilised farmers to the area to continue paddy cutting operations. The leaders said that this step was taken to protect the rights and livelihood of the local agrarian community.
Farmers from nearby villages also joined the effort. However, the harvesting could not be completed in a day.
Speaking to the media, Central President Commander Shangpliang appealed to the government authorities not to obstruct paddy harvesting operations, stating that the ongoing land boundary dispute should not become a barrier to farmers who depend entirely on seasonal crops for survival.
He urged the administration to allow the farmers to complete the harvest peacefully and ensure that no hardship is caused to them during this crucial agricultural season.
