Shillong, Aug 23: Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations,(CoMSO) has detected movement of oxen in West Garo Hills without official papers.
In a statement on Saturday, social activist and CoMSO advisor Cherian Momin said that the ommunity reiterates its demand for strict enforcement of animal transport and cattle protection laws to safeguard both the legal order and the sentiments of the indigenous people of Garo Hills
Around 3:10 PM on Saturday, vigilant citizens intercepted a Mahindra Pick-Up Van (AS 34 C 1002) at Nidanpur, West Garo Hills, while it was engaged in the illegal transportation of cattle without valid transit ortransportation documents.
The vehicle was found carrying oxen purportedly purchased from Jaleswar, Assam, under questionable documents that fail to meet the mandatory requirements prescribed under lThe seized papers, though issued by the Jaleswar Go-Haat Committee (Assam), only certify sale between private parties. These certificates are not equivalent to legal transit permits, health check clearance, or transportation licenses mandated under the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, the Transport of Animals on Foot Rules, 2001, and other provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Meghalaya Cattlev Protection and Preservation Act.
Illegal movement of cattle raises following concerns
1. Violation of Animal Transport Rules (no transit permit, no veterinary clearance).
2. Possible cross-border smuggling and unlawful slaughter trade.
3. Law and order risks due to communal tension and unlawful trafficking networks.
“It was further noted that these illegal consignments are often disguised with incomplete or manipulated documents that are insufficient under Meghalaya law.
