Shillong: The Hills Farmers Union traveled to Byrnihat on Monday to confront reports of illegal extortion targeting livestock haulers. Secretary Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew led the probe into the Ri-Bhoi district site. The union wants this racket shut down.
Drivers claim they must pay a bribe before moving their cargo. Pickups pay 4,000 rupees while truck drivers face a 15,000 rupee bill. Those who refuse the payment get stopped. Harassment remains a constant threat for both owners and drivers.
The union leader attempted to question the Byrnihat Officer-in-Charge about the fees on Monday. The officer was not at the station to answer. Kharsyntiew noted that no officials are verifying transport documents. They just grab phone numbers and demand cash.
Kharsyntiew fears for public health. He warned that paying the fee allows anyone to move sick or dead animals across state lines. "If such a system continues, vehicles transporting diseased or even dead animals could gain entry into the state simply by paying the alleged fee, posing a serious risk to consumers," he said.
The HFU has pushed the Meghalaya government to set up official veterinary checkpoints for years. The state has ignored these requests. Kharsyntiew says certain groups are harassing local farmers and youth. The union plans to meet with the state minister soon to demand answers.
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