SHILLONG, OCT 14: A delegation of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) has sought the intervention of the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for strengthening security personne and police presence in Lapangap village in West Jaintia Hills district to ensure the safety of residents during paddy harvesting.
In a letter submitted to Sangma during a meeting held on Tuesday, the JAC has expressed concern over growing tension and recent incidents in the area, citing the need for adequate security measures to prevent intrusion and unlawful activities from across the border.
The committee has urged the government to deploy sufficient security personnel, ensure continuous patrolling, and provide necessary protection to residents.
The JAC has also requested clarification on the implementation of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the border area and emphasized that any security measures should not hinder the movement of local residents or their livelihood activities.
Furthermore, the committee has warned that the government would be held accountable for any loss of crops or livelihood due to inadequate security measures and has demanded compensation, relief measures, and agricultural recovery support for affected families.
The letter was signed by various organizations, including the Synjuk Waheh Chnong Ri Jaintia, Lapangap headman, Jaintia Students Union (JSU), Jaintia National Council (JNC), Khasi Students Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), and Jaintia Students Movement (JSM).
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, headman of Lapangap said, “Wehave urged the government to provide security to the villagers so that they can harvest their crops without fear. The paddy is already ripe, and the villagers are facing significant losses due to the inability to tend to their fields since June. If the crops are not harvested, the villagers may face starvation.”
“The chief minister assured the villagers that security will be provided, but did not specify when discussions with the Assam government and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council would take place,” he added.