BJP Minister urges BSF to tighten border checks, speed up fencing in Meghalaya

SHILLONG, JULY 10: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai on Friday said he has asked the BSF to intensify checking along the border, directed the setting up of Special Task Forces in all districts, and stressed on speeding up pending border fencing to check rampant cattle smuggling.

Shullai made the statements after a meeting with the IG, BSF, his team and officials of the Veterinary Department.

“A few days ago, there was news on social media accusing rampant illegal trading of cattle. So, I immediately wrote to the IG, BSF. Subsequently, today we had a meeting with the IG, BSF, his team, and the Veterinary Department. We had a very good discussion,” Shullai said.

The Minister said one of the key points discussed was to strengthen surveillance at vulnerable points.

“We have requested the BSF authorities to intensify checking in collaboration with the Police Department and the Border Magistrate,” he said.

“We have also discussed setting up of check points in vulnerable areas where cattle smuggling is going on, jointly with the Police, Veterinary Department and the BSF authorities,” Shullai added.

Shullai said he has issued directions for immediate formation of district-level task forces to intercept illegal cattle movement.

“I have also requested the officers to immediately set up a Special Task Force based on the rules in all districts to detect the transportation of seized cattle. These seized cattle should be brought to the departmental animal shelter,” he said.

Giving details, he said, “As per SOPs and the notification issued by the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, a Special Task Force should be constituted in all districts for transportation of all seized cattle to animal shelters. Members of the Task Force will include the BDO of the concerned C&RD Block as Chairman, along with the Officer-in-Charge of Police and the jurisdictional Veterinary Officer as members. Other members of the Task Force will include the District AH & Veterinary Officer and the Sub-Divisional AH & Veterinary Officer.”

On border infrastructure, Shullai said the government will expedite pending fencing work based on inputs from the BSF.

“Based on the suggestion of the department and the BSF, we are to speed up border fencing. As per records, in the border areas of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, 27 km is left to complete full-fledged border fencing. In Garo Hills areas, about 7 km plus is left,” he said.

“So, the BSF authorities have been requested to provide us with detailed information on the areas which are left to be fully fenced,” Shullai said, adding that the BSF has given 13 days to submit suggestions on completing the remaining stretches.

He said a joint review meeting will be held after 13 days.

“Within 13 days of receiving the detailed report and detailed suggestions from the BSF authorities, and after incorporating a few amendments required as per the notification issued by the AH & Veterinary Department, we have asked the Veterinary Department to furnish us with the corrected draft of SOPs. After 13 days, we will hold a joint meeting with the BSF, Police and Veterinary Department,” Shullai said.

Also read: ‘Almost like ILP’: Shira on proposed tourist registration at Meghalaya’s Umling

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