By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 13: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister AL Hek on Wednesday voiced concern about the large-scale cattle smuggling from Meghalaya to Bangladesh.
He stated that the department is notified when cattle are seized by the BSF or the police, expressing great concern over the reports he has been receiving.
He claimed that the department must care for, maintain, and feed a large number of cattle.
He said that once seized, the matter goes to court and the state government cannot interfere. He cited a visit to a BSF camp that revealed many cattle remain with the BSF for months at a time, gradually becoming a challenge for the BSF to maintain as the state government delays in taking the custody.
Hek added that the department is coordinating with the police and the BSF to solve the issue.
“This is all a result of combined efforts from the police and BSF, as well as the district veterinary officer and the veterinary officers in the border area,” he stated.