Shillong, Aug 11: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister AL Hek wanted the department to set up health screening centres for animals.
A delegation of the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) met the minister in this regard here on Monday.
“We have received sanction from the government of India for the construction of health checkup centers for livestock in Narang, Ri Bhoi and Nidangpur, Garo Hills,” Hek told reporters after meeting HITO.
On cattle smuggling, Hek said the government is pursuing the matter with the BSF and the police.
The minister spoke about the role of the Deputy Commissioners, who chair committees to oversee the issue.
HITO demanded a crackdown on livestock smuggling and unregulated meat imports in Meghalaya.
HiTO pointed out that the frequent seizures by the BSF Meghalaya Frontier indicate that cattle smuggling to Bangladesh has reached alarming proportions.
Poultry and piggery products are being smuggled into the state through clandestine networks, with Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district serving as a main entry point.
The state is losing valuable revenue due to the lack of regulation and monitoring of imports and transit, the HITO said
The lure of profits from facilitating smuggling has drawn many young people out of schools in Ri-Bhoi, it said.
The HITO has demanded 24/7 enforcement by setting up permanent livestock and meat check gates at strategic entry and transit points that will ensure strict verification of animal origin and ownership, compulsory veterinary health checks, and certification.
HITO also suggested the need for surprise checks, especially during night hours when most smuggling occurs, besides imposing severe penalties for smugglers, middlemen, and officials aiding or protecting them.
The HITO wanted the government to ensure all legal imports contribute to the state’s coffers and take initiatives to steer vulnerable youth away from illegal trade.
HITO has threatened to launch its independent inspections and investigations if the government fails to act, stating that exposure of official negligence and smuggling networks could severely erode public trust in the government.
