Itanagar, Aug 1: Amid efforts to enhance the interstate movement of agricultural produce, vegetable farmers, particularly pumpkin growers, in Arunachal Pradesh are struggling due to illegal fee collection at various police checkpoints. Farmers have reported significant difficulties at locations such as 2 Mile, Namsai police point, Medo, and Chowkham in Lohit and Namsai districts.
Traders purchasing pumpkins and other vegetables from around 500 farmers in Wakro circle, Lohit district, face extortion as they transport the produce via the national highway to various districts in Assam, from Tinsukia to Karimganj.
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Bakloso Manyu, the Gaon Burah of Manyuliang village in Wakro, informed reporters that traders are forced to pay between 300 to 500 rupees at several police checkpoints in Lohit and Namsai districts, with mini trucks being charged 1500 to 2000 rupees. Additionally, traders face harassment at the Dirak interstate check gate by the Arunachal Pradesh Police.
These issues are compounded by organized criminal gangs operating illegal syndicates in Assam’s Bordirak and Kakopathar areas in Tinsukia district, who extort money from the traders and truck drivers, often causing prolonged delays and further financial losses.
Medo, known for its pumpkin cultivation, sees frequent visits from Assam traders who purchase the vegetables in bulk for resale across Assam. However, the current situation forces many farmers to leave their produce to rot or become cattle fodder.
Farmers and traders have submitted memorandums to the Deputy Commissioners of Namsai and Lohit and the District Commissioner of Tinsukia, seeking an urgent and permanent solution to these issues.
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