Shullai seeks Assam CM’s intervention for transportation of bovine animals to Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 12, 2024

BJP legislator from South Shillong Sanbor Shullai on Wednesday sought the intervention of the Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for ensuring smooth flow of transportation of bovine animals to the state of Meghalaya.

“It is a well-known fact that beef is one of the main staple foods of the people of the state and about 60% of the beef requirements in the state is met through import from other states. So, on behalf of the people of Meghalaya, I would like to request your kind intervention in smooth flow of transportation of bovine animals to the state of Meghalaya for traders and vehicles having valid documents provided by the state authority,” Shullai said in his letter Sarma.

“However, all the points made above are made keeping in view of the food habits of the indigenous people of Meghalaya and it has nothing to do with the religious sentiments of any community and the people here are not against the religious belief of any community and we highly respect the culture and traditions of others,” he added.

Expressing concern over the beef ban in Assam, Shullai said, “As you are aware the northeast consists of various tribes and indigenous people whose food habits are in line with our culture and we the people are not against any religion nor do we want to hurt any religious sentiments.

However, the recent ban of beef in Assam has caused a stir, in our state and has been used by our opposition parties to give it a direction that it is the hidden agenda of the NDA to ban beef in the entire country. Although it has been repeatedly clarified by central leaders that food habit is a state subject, opposition parties have played an evil role in spreading wrong information among the indigenous communities of the state and region.”

He said that the beef ban in Assam has created concern among the residents of Meghalaya for a hike in beef prices due to this ban considering the festive season Christmas and New year in the state.

“The local legitimate bovine traders have repeatedly submitted their grievances regarding bringing the bovine animals from other states to Meghalaya for legitimate business, agriculture and allied purposes,” Shullai said.

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Stating that Meghalaya being a landlocked state has road connectivity to other states only through Assam, he said, “The local people are predominantly engaged in agriculture and allied activities, including cattle rearing, dairy farming, organic farming and other livestock related economic activities. The local bovine animals’ traders are already suffering due to section 7(1), (i), (ii) and (7) of the Assam cattle preservation act 2021.”

Further, Shullai said that the Assam CM is a role model to political leaders in the NE region.

“You are a role model for all the political leaders across the northeast and we do hope that you continue to deliver with your various developmental activities for Assam and other North-eastern states with a broader regional perspective,” he stated.