Shillong, July 9: Meghalaya is worried over Assam’s proposed cow protection law, which seeks to impose complete ban on transport of cattle outside Assam. Talking on the issue, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said he will discuss the issue with the Assam government and, if needed will involve the Centre.

“We have to examine the law after Assam passes and implements it. We have to see the terms and conditions and how they plan to implement and obviously if there is any issue we will see to it. It would not be correct for me to comment more without seeing the content of the bill. However, If there is an issue that will hamper the economy of Meghalaya, the matter will be taken up with Government of Assam as well as Union Government,” Sangma said on Friday.

He said the state government has already discussed the issue with states that provide the state with cattle such as West Bengal, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, UP, Telangana.

“Therefore, all steps will be taken from our side to ensure that the transit of the cattle that is meant for Meghalaya should not be hampered because of the law passed by Assam,” he said.

Beef is popular in Meghalaya and cow and cattle transportation to different parts of Meghalaya takes place through Assam.

The Assam government is set to table a cattle protection Bill during the Budget session of the Assembly starting Monday.

This legislation, when it clears the House, will replace The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950. Under the current law, the consumption of beef is not illegal and slaughter of cattle aged more than 14 years is allowed on the direction of the local veterinary officer.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika earlier this week had said the state cabinet has approved the draft legislation, paving the way for it to be tabled in the House. The minister did not elaborate on the details of the Bill.