Our Bureau
SHILLONG/NONGPOH, Nov 25: The Meghalaya Butcher Association (MBA) on Tuesday alleged repeated harassment of cattle-transporting vehicles in Ri-Bhoi district, prompting the organisation to take up the matter with the police.
Association president Esron Marwein told reporters that butchers recently met the Ri-Bhoi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Vivekananda Singh Rathore after their vehicles were frequently stopped and turned back by police personnel.
Marwein said the SSP assured them that such obstructions would not recur, but requested that butchers inform the police in advance whenever vehicles leave cattle markets so that necessary checks can be coordinated smoothly.
According to Marwein, several vehicles had been halted near the Quinnine checkpoint in recent weeks, with police citing “orders from higher authorities.” He also rejected allegations made by the Ri-Bhoi Livestock Supplier Association that the police were collecting money from vehicles transporting meat, calling the claims baseless.
Issuing a stern warning, Marwein said illegal traders involved in cross-border activities must not drag butchers into such controversies. He stressed that the association will not allow anyone to tarnish the reputation of lawful meat traders.
He added that while the butchers have so far exercised patience, continued harassment could compel them to take to the streets
in protest to defend their rights and highlight the difficulties faced by those engaged in legal cattle transportation and meat supply.
Clarification
Leaders of the Ri-Bhoi Livestock and Supplier Association (RBLSA) on Tuesday also rejected allegations that police personnel in Ri-Bhoi were collecting illegal payments from vehicles transporting cattle. The association had earlier reported the matter to the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi on November 19.
The clarification was issued after RBLSA leaders met the Ri-Bhoi SSP to seek clarity on the matter.
Speaking to media persons, RBLSA president Pynshngain Shylla stated that there is no illegal collection of money by Ri-Bhoi police from cattle transporters and that the issue arose due to misunderstandings within the association. He explained that members who were fined had violated various provisions of traffic regulations.
Shylla added that during discussions with the SSP, it became clear that the fines imposed were strictly due to incomplete or improper documentation in some of the vehicles transporting livestock. He added that the police have intensified vehicle checking over the past few months to ensure compliance with transportation regulations across Ri-Bhoi district.
The RBLSA President expressed satisfaction with the interaction held with the SSP, noting that the police were forthcoming and willing to cooperate with the association in resolving issues in the future. He urged all vehicle operators in the association to communicate any grievances directly to the RBLSA leadership so that matters can be addressed appropriately, rather than raising unverified allegations.
