SHILLONG: The Hill Farmer Union (HFU) has strongly refuted the Deputy Commissioner’s denial of illegal monetary collections at the Byrnihat Police Station, warning that it will launch a statewide agitation if immediate action is not taken against extortion targeting farmers and traders.
HFU General Secretary A. Kharsyntiew said the union’s protest will continue, citing ongoing harassment that threatens the livelihoods of poor farmers and small traders.
During a recent visit to Ri Bhoi, HFU representatives found police detaining vehicles carrying livestock and replacing the previous ₹4,000 entry fee with a questionable ₹6,000 highway challan, with no transparency about receipts or funds.
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Kharsyntiew condemned the open sale of fake receipts and alleged that drivers are detained for refusing to pay illegal fees.
The union has petitioned the Chief Minister to launch an independent high-level inquiry, take legal action against a key individual allegedly involved in the scheme, and suspend the Officer-in-Charge at Byrnihat Police Station.
While the HFU prefers peaceful resolution, Kharsyntiew warned that persistent inaction will force the union to convene a meeting to plan major state-wide protests.
(4FrontMedia news)
