Shillong, October 23: In defiance of alleged restrictions linked to a land dispute, members of the Hill Farmers Union (HFU) on Wednesday led a group of cultivators to Lapangap to assist in harvesting paddy, asserting that agricultural livelihood must not be disrupted.
The initiative was spearheaded by HFU West Jaintia Hills District President Bah Mutshuwa Thabah, along with Central Body President Bah Commander Shangpliang, who mobilised local farmers to continue the paddy-cutting operations. The leaders stated that their action aimed to safeguard the rights and sustenance of the agrarian community.
Farmers from neighbouring villages also joined the effort, though the harvesting could not be completed in a single day due to time constraints.
Speaking to the media, Bah Commander Shangpliang appealed to the government not to obstruct paddy harvesting activities, emphasising that the ongoing land boundary dispute should not hinder farmers who depend entirely on seasonal crops for their livelihood.
He urged the district administration to allow the harvest to proceed peacefully and to ensure that no hardship is caused to farmers during this crucial agricultural season.
