Is Assam CM blocking Meghalaya farmers’ harvest?; MPMC questions Conrad

The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) has called on the state government to urgently address reports that farmers in Lapangap are being barred from harvesting their crops, allegedly due to pressure from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

MPMC president Joplyn Scott Shylla condemned the situation, pledging unwavering support for the affected farmers, particularly women, whose livelihoods are at stake.

In a strongly worded statement, Shylla demanded clarity from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on who holds authority over the state’s land—Shillong or Dispur. “The silence from the government is unacceptable. Why has it failed to shield our farmers from external interference?” she questioned, urging immediate action to allow the people of Lapangap to harvest their crops without fear or political pressure.

Shylla highlighted the plight of women farmers facing intimidation, describing the situation as a violation of indigenous rights, food security, and state autonomy. “If Meghalaya’s government cannot protect its own people, who will?” she asked.

Similarly, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) raised alarm over the ongoing crisis, noting that Lapangap farmers have faced repeated hostility from neighbouring Karbi villages in Assam. KHNAM’s working president, Thomas Passah, called the situation “deeply troubling” and criticised the state government’s inaction. He specifically took issue with Chief Minister Sangma’s claim that providing security during harvesting was secondary to ensuring safety, arguing that preventing farmers from harvesting threatens their very survival.

Passah called for immediate dialogue with Assam authorities to secure joint protection for farmers and enable them to work without fear. He also suggested that the state compensate farmers for losses if it cannot guarantee their safety. Additionally, Passah accused the government of delaying resolution until after Assam’s elections, warning that such procrastination only prolongs the suffering of Lapangap’s farmers and villagers.

It may be mentioned that several areas in Assam and Meghalaya are in the middle of a border dispute. Although most of these areas are under discussion, there has been no concrete solution to these disputes so far.