Shillong: The Hills Farmers Union says extortion remains a reality in Byrnihat. General secretary Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew rejected reports that the union dropped its claims after a Monday meeting in Nongpoh. The session addressed correspondence from the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police, and the Byrnihat Officer-in-Charge. The union remains unconvinced by official denials regarding police ties to the collection racket.
Kharsyntiew insists the union holds proof of the scheme. They handed this evidence to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on September 14. The HFU wants the Byrnihat OC suspended, a Special Investigation Team formed, and the arrest of car-rental operator Pankaj Das. Allegedly, Das ran a direct entry system to shake down drivers.
Extortion continues despite promises. Livestock trucks faced new stops on Monday night. Operators shifted tactics and now use official-looking challans instead of direct cash grabs. "The union was unconvinced by the explanation," Kharsyntiew said regarding the police response. Drivers must now pay Rs 6,000 per vehicle near a local petrol pump.
The HFU wants to know who cleared these new collections. They labeled the label change a facade meant to keep the money flowing. Beyond the cash, health risks loom. Livestock vehicles now pass through without veterinary checks. This failure threatens consumers with animal-borne diseases.
The union wants official check-posts and action on Piggery Mission loans. They refuse to stand down. Leaders plan to meet soon to discuss the next phase of their protest if the state government keeps ignoring these demands.
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