SHILLONG: A delegation of traditional leaders met Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Monday to express opposition to the Centre’s cattle slaughter notification.
John F. Kharshiing, who was a part of the delegation that met Sangma shortly after the Assembly passed a regulation against the notification, later told media persons that they had requested the chief minister to protect the customs in the State. The delegation – comprising the Syiem of Khyrim and 15 Rangbah Shnong (headmen) – raised the issue of shortage of cattle in the State that was earlier discussed in the Assembly.
Kharshiing said more than 80 cows are slaughtered in Smit market in a week and the central notification would lead to a shortage as most of the cows are imported.
“The recent cow slaughter rules can even lead to a law and order situation besides an increase in criminal activities,” he said and added that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, “has nothing to do with cruelty to animals”.
The chief minister informed the delegation about the resolution.
