Uncomfortable ripples have begun to surface in Meghalaya with Assam mulling to enact a special law to protect cows.
The BJP led government in Assam has announced plans to enact a special legislation to protect the bovine species, which is the gateway for cattle legally destined for Meghalaya and even Bangladesh albeit mostly illegally.
General Secretary of the Khasi Jaiñtia Butchers Association, Generous Warlarpih said, “Our Muslim friends who sell beef in Guwahati and Shillong are already complaining of shortage of meat in Guwahati. In fact, it is slowly becoming a rare commodity in Guwahati especially,” he told Highland Post.
Warlarpih said what is worrying is the fact that the State which imports 90 per cent of the meat from other states will now face a big challenge that could impact the cost of meat.
“We only pray and hope that the government foresees this problem for the people and puts in place measures to ensure safe and smooth transportation of our cattle through Assam,” Warlarpih stated while warning, “We are already facing so many problems in bringing cattle to the State and cattle smuggling by vested interests is also a major hurdle; if this law is going to be another burden, then in the end it will be the people who will suffer.”
Meghalaya Principal Secretary, animal husbandry & veterinary, GHP Raju said, “We are aware that Assam government is planning to enact a law for the protection of cows. The laws legislated by other states shall not create any inconvenience to the poor farmers of our state.”
Stating that it was too premature to comment on a law yet to be enacted officially, Raju however assured that the government will not allow such a law to impede meat consumption by way of ensuring smooth transportation of cattle through Assam.
He opined that while it is entirely up to Assam to enact legislation on cow protection since it is a state subject. “The Assam government, or for that matter any government, can create a mechanism to verify if the cattle have been brought from outside Assam and if their destination is Meghalaya,” adding, “If it is prohibited, then there has to be a mechanism to facilitate the transportation of cattle from other places to Meghalaya through Assam.”
Chief Secretary MS Rao emphasised, “We are well aware and are responding accordingly. Suffice to say that the citizens should not be unduly worried about this, it’s a nonissue, we will handle it.” When asked if any official paper has been prepared on this, the top bureaucrat replied in the negative but did drop a hint that “it might happen in due course of time”.
Presently Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and his Deputy Prestone Tynsong who also looks after the animal husbandry and veterinary department are in Delhi on official business. It is uncertain if this issue will come up in any discussion with the various Union ministers or would it perhaps be kept on hold till Amit Shah’s impending visit to Shillong on July 17.
