Shillong, April 24: The ongoing lockdown to control the spread of corona virus is also affecting the very existence of seized cattle along the International Border in Meghalaya. BSF was already facing difficulties in managing the seized cattle due to lack of infrastructure and wherewithal.
COVID 19, pandemic has further added to the problems where in BSF is battling to keep the stranded cattle alive. The problem of stranded cattle began in the year Dec’ 2018 when the Customs Department stopped taking over the seized cattle after the orders of Honourable Supreme Court.
BSF, whose priority is also protection of International Border has been assisting border population amid the Covid 19 pandemic.
The force has an additional responsibility of taking care of thousands of cattle in the Border Out Posts.During the last one week 289 stranded cattle died in the Border Out Post in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya due to various reasons including lack of proper infrastructure and illness.
The burials of these cattle were also been carried out by the troops of BSF that too without any resources. The uncontrolled death of cattle may lead to spread of diseases.
To address the problem PRO BSF Meghalaya Shri U K Nayal DIG in coordination with the civil society arranged fodder for the stranded cattle 4000 Kg of fodder was supplied to the border out posts.
The cattle in the border are kept without a shed and are exposed to adverse weather. Tarpaulins were also provided to the border outpost so that temporary shed could be provided to the cattle.
Mr Kuldeep Saini, Inspector General BSF Meghalaya stated that there is an urgent requirement to address the problem and State authorities are urged to pay attention to the crises. He further stated that BSF along with civil societies have made a very modest effort and will continue with its endeavour in future also.
