Shillong, May 21: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department has decided to suspend the operation of its livestock check post at Umling, Ri Bhoi district after the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) requested the department to seek permission for installation of the same.

“The check post will remain suspended till permission from NHAI is obtained,” Minister in-charge of AH & Veterinary department Sanbor Shullai said in a statement issued on Saturday.

He also informed that the department will seek permission with NHAI and also, if necessary, will seek alternative arrangement for installation of gate in other area within the jurisdiction of state government most probably at 9th mile at the entry point for checking of transit permit and health certificate for allowing transportation of livestock into State

“The department will also ensure that other arrangements which include proper security, facilities for doctors and staff and also installation of CCTV will be taken care of after the gate will be made operational,” Shullai added.

He further assured stringent measures to deal with illegal transportation of cattle will be taken for which the department shall work cohesively with police all across the state while assuring that the department will ensure that all unauthorized livestock markets in Byrnihat without proper facilities will be closed and notice will be served to all those livestock markets.

He said the aim of the check gate was to check the health of livestock and to ensure that no diseased animal is entered into the state and also to prevent the illegal transportation of cattle to Bangladesh. The matter is also being taken up with the BSF, to intensify border checks, he added.