Shillong, August 11: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has submit memorandum to Mr. A L Hek Minister Incharge for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department Government of Meghalaya for immediate crackdown on rampant livestock smuggling and unregulated meat imports through Meghalaya.
In the letter the president of HITO Mr.Donbok Dkhar and Political Secretary Mr. Gary Myrboh expressed their deep concern over the unchecked smuggling and illegal import of cattle, poultry, piggery and other livestock products into and through Meghalaya.
This menace is growing by the day and threatens the State’s economy, public health, and the very credibility of governance, cattle smuggling to Bangladesh has reached alarming proportions, with frequent seizures by the BSF Meghalaya Frontier making headlines.
Equally troubling is the unregulated entry of poultry and piggery products, facilitated not by lawful trade channels but by a well-oiled clandestine network of smugglers, local agents, and—by all indications—the connivance of certain police elements.
Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district remains the main entry point for this illicit trade, yet there is no government mechanism to regulate or monitor imports or transit. This vacuum allows criminal elements to operate freely while the State loses valuable revenue.
Disturbingly, the lure of this illegal trade has drawn many young people out of school in Ri-Bhoi, as the profits from facilitating smuggling outweigh the returns from education, the organisation demands the Government take urgent and uncompromising action.
The organisation has put seven point to the Government to tackled the problems, there should be Permanent livestock and meat check gates at all strategic entry and transit points, with 24/7 enforcement. Strict verification of animal origin and ownership with valid documents for every consignment.
There should be compulsory veterinary health checks and certification before livestock or meat products are allowed entry. Mobile inspection squads for surprise checks, especially during night hours when most smuggling occurs.
Harsh penalties for smugglers, middlemen, and any officials aiding or protecting them. Revenue recovery systems to ensure all legal imports contribute to the State’s coffers. nCommunity awareness and alternative livelihood initiatives to steer vulnerable youth away from illegal trade.
HITO mention it must be blunt if the Government fails to act immediately, HITO will have no choice but to launch its own independent inspections and investigations to identify the routes, facilitators, and official negligence enabling this illegal trade.
These findings will be made public and formally presented to the authorities. Such exposure will not only embarrass the Government but also severely erode public trust in the present ruling dispensation.
This is a matter demanding urgency, not prolonged deliberation. The health of our people, the rule of law, and the economic integrity of our State are at stake, the letter was sign by Mr. Donbok Dkhar President and Mr. Gary Myrboh Political Secretary of HITO.
