Butchers to act on their own against cattle smuggling

SHILLONG: Concerned over the rampant illegal smuggling of cattle from Meghalaya to Bangladesh, State beef sellers have decided to take matters into their own hands by conducting “special checking”.
The decision in this regard was taken after the Khasi-Jaintia Butchers’ Welfare Association (KJBWA) took out a rally here on Friday to protest against the State Government’s failure to address the menace of cattle smuggling.
FKJGP members also took part in the protest march which started from Motphran and culminated at Additional Secretariat.
Speaking to media persons after the rally, KJBWA vice president Generous Warlarpih said that a dedicated team would be formed to check cattle smuggling.
“We are ready to go to jail if need be,” he asserted.
The Association also took exception to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s statement in the Assembly that the issue of cattle smuggling is to be handled by the BSF and Customs.
Claiming that the members of the Association can easily differentiate between cattle meant for consumption in the State and those headed towards the international border, he accused the State Government of shying away from its responsibility.
Meanwhile, an Association member from Jaintia Hills, L Pyrtuh said that beef sellers in the area have been greatly affected by the illegal smuggling of cattle and around 30 shops in Jowai have been closed down due to shortage of meat.