PHULBARI, June 29: Residents of the West Garo Hills plains belt have raised alarms over the unchecked transportation of cattle from Assam to the Bangladesh border, alleging widespread smuggling and extreme animal cruelty.
The cattle are reportedly moved through Chibinang and Tura to Chirangpara, where they are smuggled across the international border. Residents claim the illegal trade operates openly despite the presence of multiple police checkpoints and law enforcement agencies along the route.
“The manner in which the cattle are transported is inhumane. Reports indicate that 20 to 24 animals are crammed into small pickup vehicles with their legs tightly bound,” said a resident on condition of anonymity. “The animals are forced to lie on the floor while wooden platforms are erected above them to load a second layer of cattle. This causes severe injury and suffering.”
The local community also highlighted the total absence of mandatory veterinary checks, vaccination records, and transport permits. They warned that the movement of uncertified cattle poses a significant risk of spreading infectious diseases to local livestock, threatening the livelihoods of regional farmers.
Further concerns were raised regarding public safety and the apparent lack of enforcement. Heavily loaded cattle vehicles reportedly pass through several police outposts without intervention, often being driven recklessly at high speeds through populated areas.
