Groups seek action against cattle smuggling

JOWAI: Illegal transportation of cattle from Khanapara to Bangladesh via Jaintia Hills is on the rise and such activities have worried the Meghalaya Butcher Association and also the FKJGP Central Body, the Jaintia Students Movement (JSM) and the Khasi Students’ Union.
They have expressed their concern over the shortage of beef in the state and according to these pressure groups, the reason is due to illegal transportation of cattle.
The pressure groups held a meeting at Phramer in West Jaintia Hills to discuss on the scarcity of beef in the state resulting in the hike of price  which had badly affected the consumers.
Bangladesh is buying cattle illegally from India to transport the same to Middle Easter Countries.
They have also detected illegal disposing of dead cattle.
A joint complaint lodged by the two Jaintia based NGOs to the Deputy Commissioner, EJH had also demanded stern action against those who disposed of dead cattle while transporting them to Bangladesh.
The FKJGP president in-charge of Jaintia Hills, Tuesday Lytep, informed that the DC and the SP of EJH had assured them that appropriate action will be taken against those involved.
71 cattle seized
Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Police, West Jaintia Hills has informed that 71 heads of cattle that were being smuggled  were seized by BSF personnel  along the international border under Muktapur recently.
The SP has requested the owners to approach the Muktapur police.