Shillong, May 14: Farmers from Lapangap village in West Jaiñtia Hills have expressed strong resentment after allegedly being prevented from accessing their paddy fields despite the Meghalaya Government’s assurance to provide security and deploy police personnel in the disputed border area.

According to the farmers, when they attempted to return to their fields on Thursday to begin cultivation activities, some individuals from the Karbi side allegedly obstructed and chased away the Khasi-Pnar farmers, forcing them to abandon their work.

The villagers stated that despite recent visits by district authorities and police officials to assess the situation and strengthen security arrangements, disturbances in the area have continued, leaving farmers unable to cultivate their land peacefully.

The farmers further alleged that the harassment has become so severe that they are no longer being allowed even to enter their paddy fields. They claimed the situation has exposed the ineffectiveness of the recent protest held at the Secretariat, where villagers had demanded immediate intervention and protection from the State Government.

Superintendent of Police of West Jaiñtia Hills, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, visited the area and reportedly expressed concern over the prevailing tension while assuring the farmers that police personnel would continue efforts to maintain peace and provide protection to those engaged in cultivation activities.

However, residents of Lapangap maintained that adequate security has still not been ensured on the ground despite the government’s assurances of intervention.

The villagers also alleged that the repeated obstruction was part of an attempt by certain Karbi groups to assert claim over the land, which the Khasi-Pnar residents of Lapangap say they have cultivated and occupied for generations.

The affected farmers have urged the Meghalaya Government to take stronger and more decisive measures to ensure their safety and allow them to continue cultivation without fear or interference.