Shillong, Sept 16: Meghalaya Government has admitted that Assam’s Cattle Prevention Bill 2021 has indeed impacted the state with the rate of beef in the market rising.

Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Sanbor Shullai on Thursday told the Assembly that the state government will sit to plan on the future course of action to tide over this problem even as it is waiting for a reply to the written to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

“We are waiting for the response from the Assam government,” he said while adding that on failing to get any response, the state government will plan the future course of action.
To a query by KHNAM legislator Adelbert Nongrum, Shullai said a notification has been issued and very soon transit passes will be issued to local traders for transportation of cattle.

The minister also informed that as per the information received from the retail beef traders and consumers, the price of beef in the market has gone up.

He however said there has been no proposal before the department to prescribe a rate per kg for beef as on date.

On the concern expressed by the Nongpoh legislator Mayralborn Syiem over the harassment against the cattle traders despite having proper documents, Shullai said that steps have been taken by the department to address this issue with the Assam’s veterinary department.

“I also request all members of the House if they have more suggestions on this vital issue to come forward, we will sit and discuss together,” he said.

Cattle smuggling

Mawsynram legislator HM Shangpliang wanted to know the steps taken by the state government to address the problem of cattle smuggling to neighbouring Bangladesh.
He alleged that a cow that cost Rs 20,000 in Meghalaya is costing Rs 1 lakh in Bangladesh during Eid season.

To this, the Minister said that after taking over the department, he had series of discussion on the issue.

“We have instructed the need to strengthen and intensify checking by the BSF and police so that henceforth this illegal smuggling will not occur in the future,” he informed.