Farmers demonstrate against Mukul Sangma-led Meghalaya United Alliance II government

SHILLONG: Hundred of farmers today staged a sit-in-demonstration protesting against the Mukul Sangma-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA-II) government for "denying" subsidies and fertilizers for the past many months hitting the agricultural produce.

Led by the BJP state unit, farmers from far flung villages in the state attended the protest which was held about a hundred meters away from the Raj Bhavan here but under heavy unprecedented security.

"We had approach agriculture department in November last year requesting the government to provide fertilizer to the farmers but till date there is absolutely no response from them," BJP Youth Wing president Egenstar Kurkalang told reporters.

"We had also sought appointment with the chief minister Mukul Sangma, who is also looking after the agriculture department, but till today he choose to avoid the farmers and their problems," he said.

The BJP activist also informed that the Union Government had already sanctioned up to 1500 MT of fertilizers for Meghalaya to the supplier company - BVFC.

However, the state government did not renew the license of the BVFC company due to reasons not known to us, he said.

Meghalaya government had cut off fertilizer subsidy since last year since the government had initiated 'mission organic' as one of its mission to improve livelihood of the people.