SHILLONG, May 5: The transportation of cattle to Meghalaya from outside the state has totally stopped, resulting in an acute shortage of beef. Supply apparently has been affected by the enforcement of the Assam Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2021.
The cattle market of the Syiem of Mylliem at Khanapara has also been closed as the animal is not being transported from outside.
People selling beef are facing a lot of difficulties. They have been forced to purchase cattle from the black market by paying hefty prices. A cow, which cost Rs 30,000 earlier, is now being sold at Rs 60,000 in the black market.
Hundreds of cattle are, however, illegally brought to the state for smuggling into Bangladesh, some meat sellers claimed.
Khasi Jaintia Butchers’ Association general secretary, Generous Warlarpih said the Assam government has stopped the entry of cattle into the state.
He alleged the Meghalaya government is doing nothing to address the problem. He dismissed the government’s claim that it is issuing challan to the local meat traders. He said none of them received it. “We are now planning to demand from the state government to stop issuing challan. What is the use of issuing such challan when we are not getting it?” Warlarpih said.
He said the association respects the Assam cattle law and does not want cattle to be brought from Assam. However, he insisted, the state government should take steps to ensure that cattle from West Bengal and other states are allowed to be transported through Assam. The state government has failed to pursue the matter with the Assam government, he said.
Warlarpih pointed out the demand of beef in Meghalaya and criticised the state government for allegedly failing to encourage the farmers to take up cattle farming.
“What is the use of having the slaughter house at Mawlai Mawiong when nothing is being done to encourage farmers to take up cattle farming?” he argued.
He also said that many would be forced to leave this business if the situation does not improve in the next few months.
