Shillong, March 14: Border Security Force (BSF) seized as many as 650 cattle worth over Rs.1 crore along the International Border in Meghalaya, while conducting various operations during the last one week. These figures indicate a phenomenal increase in cattle smuggling in various part of the State.
In one such operation conducted on 14th March 2020, the cautious BSF troops of 43 Bn BSF under sector Shillong in South Garo Hills Distt of Meghalaya seized 105 cattle worth more than Rs. 04 lakhs. These cattle were to be smuggled to Bangladesh. It is to mention that the smugglers tried to smuggle cattle from unfenced/venerable area but the alert BSF jawan always foil their attempts.
The fact is that these cattle are transported close to the International Border with NOC/Certificate issued by the Autonomous District council and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department of the State. Later these cattle are smuggled to Bangladesh through International Border on appropriate opportunity. Moreover, BSF is not in position to launch any operation against cattle carrier in the depth area without the assistance of local police.
Mr U K Nayal PRO of BSF Ftr HQ Meghalaya said, “It is to state that BSF is tirelessly performing its duty to prevent Smuggling and also stepped up its special drive against the illegal intruders and has intensified its operations on the Indo-Bangladesh Border to prevent nefarious design of trans-border criminals. He further urged all stakeholders to come forward and cooperate with BSF in curbing these crimes.” He also said that until and unless operation against cattle smugglers are not carried out in depth area by concerned agency, it is difficult to stop smuggling 100%.
