NONGPOH, March 3: Two days after a group of animal rights activists alleged that cattle is traded illegally at Khanapara market, the Syiem, or traditional chief, of Raid Marwet, Ken Syiem, has refuted the charges terming it as baseless.
Following the recent allegations of the animal-welfare activists from Gau Gyan Foundation and People for Animals, India that most of the cattles from the Khanapara cattle market is being smuggled to Bangladesh, the tradition chief (Syiem) of Raid Marwet,
The Syiem of Raid Marwet informed that the Khanapara cattle market has been set up from time immemorial and claimed that it is operating in adherence to all norms of the state government.
He also clarified that cattle from the market is sent out to only meet the beef consumption within Khasi-Jaintia Hills and not smuggled to Bangladesh, as alleged by the animal-welfare activists.
“The cattle market here is operating legally. Valid challans and medical fitness certificates were issued to the butchers when they bought cattle. So, the issue of operating the market illegally does not arise,” the traditional chief said.
A Bangalore-based animal-welfare activist, Joshine Antony, along with a team of other activists from Gau Gyan Foundation and People for Animals, India, had conducted a surprise checking at the market.
Following their inspection, Antony alleged that cruelty was meted out to cattle at the market in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Moreover, Ken Syiem also asserted that the issue of smuggling of cattle to Bangladesh does not lie in the power of the market management.
Onus is on the state government to check and prevent such illegal activity, if there is any, the Syiem added.