SHILLONG: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has expressed deep disappointment over Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s remarks regarding the request of Lapangap villagers for security assistance to enable them to harvest their paddy.
In a statement issued on Thursday, KHNAM said it was “very unfortunate” that farmers from Lapangap have been unable to harvest their crops despite multiple attempts due to repeated attacks from nearby Karbi villages.
The party further criticised the Chief Minister’s reported statement that he could not provide security for the farmers as the safety of lives was “more important.” KHNAM said such a stance was disheartening, especially when the livelihoods of local farmers were at stake.
“The Chief Minister should also understand that a farmer or a village that depends solely on agriculture for survival faces a threat to life when they are prevented from harvesting their crops,” the statement said.
KHNAM added that it had expected the Chief Minister to initiate dialogue with the Assam government to ensure a joint security arrangement for safe harvesting. “If the Meghalaya Government cannot provide protection, then it must compensate the affected farmers,” the statement asserted.
The party also expressed frustration that the Chief Minister appeared to link potential solutions to political timelines, stating that “talks and settlements will take place only after the Assam,” leaving the farmers and villagers of Lapangap to continue suffering.
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