NONGPOH: Five trucks transporting cattle illegally to Bangladesh were detained in Ri Bhoi even as the Khasi Jaintia Butchers Welfare Association (KJBWA) has stopped buying cattle from Khanapara.
The first two trucks bearing Assam registration numbers were detected by members of the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) who later informed FKJGP and KJBWA. The vehicles were apprehended at Mawtnum village.
The drivers could not provide the exact details of where the consignment was being taken and this created doubts that the cattle were being smuggled to Bangladesh.
After the intervention of the Ri Bhoi SP, the cattle were transported to the slaughter house at Mawiong where police will begin the process of verifying the names of the owners.
Later, four more trucks transporting cattle were detained at Umroi Bypass. However, the KJBWA and NGO leaders could apprehend only three while the fourth truck managed to flee.
The state government has also instructed veterinary doctors to issue health certificates for cattle only once a week. However, all of the apprehended trucks managed to acquire certificates signed and sealed by the district training officer of the AH&Vety, Vocational Training Centre, Manai.
The members of the KJBWA alleged that the rising price of cattle in the state is due to smuggling.
“The Government, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and the Syiem of Hima Mylliem did nothing in this regard which is a matter of great concern,” the association said.
They also alleged that as most of the cattle are smuggled to Bangladesh, it becomes difficult for them to get cattle from Khanapara.
On the other hand, a person identified as K Rani, who claimed to be the owner of the seized cattle, came forward at Nongpoh police station.
When asked about the details of the cattle and where he was supposed to sell them, Rani stated that he had just entered into the cattle business recently and would usually sell the cattle to butchers in Lad Rymbai.
After failing to provide the names of the butchers, Rani confessed that he was just an agent and that the real owner is a non-tribal from Assam.
In this regard, the KJBWA and FKJGP leaders have urged authorities to auction the seized cattle to local butchers.
The pressure groups also issued warning that anyone involved in cattle smuggling will be dealt with strictly.
