Profit from smuggling funds state insurgent groups: BSF

SHILLONG, Nov 20: The BSF has alleged that the money realised from smuggling is being used to fund select active insurgent groups in state.
The BSF, in a statement on Friday, also sought cooperation from the concerned authorities from the state government.
The BSF said there is a need to conduct joint operations and also place check points at suitable locations as transborder crimes continue to rise.
“Study on cattle smuggling has revealed that it is linked with drug smuggling in the state and the money generated through this smuggling is used for funding remnant insurgent groups active in Meghalaya,” the BSF asserted.
Stating that the cases of cattle smuggling have seen a surge anew, especially in East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills, the BSF said it formed special teams to carry out intelligence-based operations.
Only on Friday, the BSF apprehended six Indian nationals near Dawki, reportedly involved in cattle smuggling. It added that as many as 53 cattle were also seized during different operations whilst a truck was also seized. “The preliminary questioning report of arrested persons revealed that these cattle were being transported from Guwahati (Khanapara) and comprised various cattle breeds which are generally not found in Northeastern states,” the statement said.
It BSF added that during the questioning, the persons also divulged their new modus operandi to deceive police personnel on duty at various check points.