Organisations oppose smuggling of cattle to Bangladesh

Newmai News Network
SHILLONG, Oct 18: Various organisations of Rongjeng in East Garo Hills (EGH) of Meghalaya have expressed their opposition to the illegal movement of cattle allegedly for smuggling across the border to Bangladesh.
The opposition comes after the organisations stopped many trucks and semi trucks along the NH – 62 on Thursday while they were carrying cattle towards their destination close to the Bangladesh border. The cows were being transported in cramped up spaces with more than 10 within one semi truck. The cattle are apparently taken to Bangladesh through Baghmara in SGH. “Hundreds of cows are being transported to Bangladesh from Assam without any valid documents through the NH 62 due to the huge demand there and as the fetch very good prices. This is a profitable profession for these smugglers,” said the organisations of Rongjeng.
The organisations alleged that the same saga has been going on for months now with the authorities doing nothing to curb the smuggling activities.
Interestingly, the cattle were later released on Thursday after the intervention of the local police in Rongjeng, something that has not gone down well with organisations or residents.
“The authorities entrusted with enforcing the law appear not to bother about tackling and preventing smuggling despite a shortage of cattle within the state,” alleged the organisations . They further alleged that more than 30-40 vehicles pass through the town every night mostly after 10 pm so that they can avoid questions by laymen.
“Not only the cattle trucks, there are also some escort vehicles helping the smuggling and it has become a common sight. There needs to be a crackdown on such activities and those that are supporting such smuggling activities should be taken to task,” added the organisations.