Shillong: The Hills Farmer Union issued a 10-day ultimatum to Byrnihat Police on August 4. The group demands a written explanation regarding so-called direct entry fees collected from livestock transporters. The union claims these charges act as an extortion racket that hurts farmers. They warned they will push for the suspension of the local Officer-in-Charge if he does not comply with the deadline.
The standoff began after a failed meeting at the Byrnihat Police Station last Tuesday. The Officer-in-Charge invited the union for talks but skipped the event to attend to court-related duties. HFU general secretary Alfondbirth Kharsyntiew did not mince words regarding the no-show. "We are giving the Officer-in-Charge 10 days to provide a written clarification on the issues raised. If he fails to do so, we will be compelled to urge the government to suspend him," Kharsyntiew stated.
The union delegation met Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhishek Saini to report the corruption. They want to know the legal basis for the fees and where the money goes. HFU leaders also pushed the Deputy Commissioner to launch a Special Investigation Team to probe the practice. They further requested an immediate order to stop all collections at the site. The Deputy Commissioner promised to direct the police to provide answers, but he is waiting for a formal report before taking further action against the department.
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