SHILLONG, July 8: Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai has written a letter to the BSF seeking measures to curb the smuggling of cattle following a report published in The Shillong Times on the alleged unchecked transportation and smuggling of cattle from Assam to Bangladesh via West Garo Hills.
Media reports hint at the alleged movement of cattle from through WGH region with reported transit routes passing through Chibinang, Tura, and onwards to Chirangpara before reaching areas along the international border. Instances of animal cruelty associated with the transportation of the animals have also been reported.
Expressing concern over the seriousness of the allegations, the minister stated that the matter required urgent attention from the BSF.
Referring to the locations mentioned in the media report, Hek noted that the areas and corridors allegedly used for transporting the cattle pass through Chibinang and Tura before proceeding towards Chirangpara, making them crucial points for surveillance and enforcement.In view of the allegations, the minister urged that all BSF outposts and personnel deployed along the border be immediately pressed into action. He urged intensified surveillance, strengthening of border checks and strong measures to detect, intercept and prevent any illegal transportation of cattle or related smuggling activities.
Acknowledging BSF’s crucial role in guarding the borders, Shullai expressed confidence that the force would take prompt action to ensure that illegal cross-border activities are effectively checked. The minister has also asked the BSF to keep him informed about the action taken in the matter.
The issue gained public attention after The Shillong Times published a report alleging that cattle were being transported through parts of West Garo Hills en route to Bangladesh border. The report also raised concerns over the alleged involvement of organised smuggling networks and the welfare of the animals being transported.
No official statement from the BSF regarding the action taken had been made available at the time of filing this report.
