Nongpoh, Aug 3: The Hills Farmers Union (HFU), Ri-Bhoi District, on Monday alleged that livestock transport vehicles entering Meghalaya through Byrnihat are being subjected to illegal collections.
According to HFU, drivers claimed they are made to pay Rs 4,000 for pick-up vehicles and Rs 15,000 for trucks carrying cattle before entry is allowed. The union said vehicles that fail to pay are stopped, while those that have paid are reportedly listed at Byrnihat Police Station.
Drivers told HFU they did not know who collected the money as payments were allegedly made in advance by owners.
HFU General Secretary Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew said the union visited Byrnihat after meeting Animal Husbandry officials and found vehicles being checked based on whether the alleged payment was made. He added that attempts to seek clarification from police at the check gate and to meet the officer-in-charge yielded no response.
The union questioned why entry fees were being demanded when mandatory documents like Health Certificates and Transit Passes were not being verified properly. It also alleged that even dead animals could enter without inspection if the payment was made, calling it a threat to farmers and public health.
Citing the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, HFU said the law does not permit such fees. It demanded an inquiry and urged the state government to strengthen veterinary checkpoints for proper screening.
The union said it will take up the matter further with the government until action is taken.
