SHILLONG: Beef sellers from across Khasi and Jaintia Hills have decided to revive the cattle market in Ri Bhoi which, according to them, will be convenient for people as well as curb the menace of cattle smuggling.
Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Khasi-Jaintia Butchers’ Welfare Association (KJBWA) vice president Generous Warlarpih said, “We have stopped purchasing cattle from Khanapara market following the KHADC and the Hima Mylliem orders to disallow ear-tagging of the animals.”
The Ri Bhoi cattle market at Byrni Rongkona under Nongpoh Sirdarship was inaugurated two years ago. The market was inspected in the presence of the district Animal Husbandry and Veterinary official and police.
Warlarpih said the Ri Bhoi market will allow animals which are screened and ear-tagged by the Veterinary Department for the safety of consumers. This will also prevent cattle smuggling. The KHADC on November 20 stopped ear-tagging of the animals sold at Khanapara following a complaint by the acting Syiem of the Hima Mylliem against illegal collection of money for cattle identification.
When asked, Warlarpih said the KHADC, and the Hima Mylliem had connived with cattle smugglers to continue illegal revenue collection.
“The allegation of illegal collection of money from ear-tagging was baseless and misleading as this was done with the consent of all beef sellers,” he added.
On the other hand, FKJGP central body leader Marbud Dkhar said the organisation, along with KJBWA, will lead a delegation to the Minister in-charge of the Department, HDR Lyngdoh, on December 22.
The NGO leader said screening of cattle from outside the State “is necessary from the health aspect of consumers”.
