SHILLONG: Cattle from India are being smuggled to Bangladesh through the gaps in border fencing in Pynursula. Informing this here, the BSF PRO said that the cattle are offloaded in Pynursula and kept in betel nut gardens which are close to the border. “Whenever the smugglers get an opportunity, they drive the cattle through the gaps in the fencing and accordingly their counterparts in Bangladesh receive the consignment.
He said that cattle are usually smuggled through Nayabazar, Tuka and Latankilla area of the international border.
He added that the BSF, in the last one year, has seized cattle worth Rs 3 crore.
There seems to be an alarming rise in the smuggling of cattle from India to Bangladesh through the borders in Meghalaya.
Taking cognizance of the large scale smuggling of cattle, the Khasi Jaintia Butcher’s Welfare Association recently announced suspension of their activities from January 18 to February 3 in protest against the inability of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and the State government to stop cattle smuggling to Bangladesh.
Speaking on the matter, East Khasi Hills SP, M Kharkrang said that the police have intensified vigil along the Pynursula road to ensure that cattle are not smuggled to Bangladesh.
He further said that the Syiem of Hima Mylliem should have all the documents of cattle which are brought to the state from other parts of the country.
Sawkmie concerned
Meanwhile, following the shut down called by the Khasi Jaintia Butcher’s Association, Mawlai MDC P.T. Sawkmie has urged the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner to look into the grievances of the Association and convene a meeting with them.
