SHILLONG, July 9: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday asserted that the state government would move the Centre if the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021, hampers the people and the economy of Meghalaya.
“We will raise the issue not only with the Assam government but also the Centre if the law affects transit of cattle to Meghalaya from other states,” Conrad said at a press conference here on Friday.
He also said that the state government has already discussed the bill with supplier states like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana.
“Transit and transportation of cattle from these states to Meghalaya should not be a problem. All steps will be taken from our side to ensure that supply is not hampered because of the law passed by the Assam government,” Conrad asserted.
The chief minister declined to comment on the bill, saying that the state government would first examine the legislation after getting a copy.
It may be mentioned that the Assam cabinet on Thursday approved the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021 which will be placed before the state Assembly in the next session.
The new bill will replace the existing Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950, that allows slaughter of cattle above 14 years of age with proper approval from local veterinarians.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier stated that the proposed legislation would ban the movement of cattle to and from the state, primarily to check cattle smuggling to Bangladesh.
Sarma had also stated that beef should not be consumed in areas where Hindus live and where the animal is worshipped.
States like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have legislations on protection of cows.
