The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has urged the Meghalaya government to take “urgent and uncompromising” action against escalating livestock smuggling and unregulated meat imports. In a letter to A.L. Hek, the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, HITO expressed serious concerns regarding the rampant trafficking of cattle, poultry, piggery, and other livestock products. The organization emphasized that this illegal trade poses significant threats to the state’s economy, public health, and overall governance.
HITO highlighted alarming reports of cattle smuggling to Bangladesh, referencing frequent seizures by the BSF Meghalaya Frontier. The organization contended that the illegal entry of poultry and pig products is facilitated by a secretive network of smugglers and local agents, and, in some instances, potentially aided by corrupt police officials.
Byrnihat, located in the Ri-Bhoi district, was identified as the primary entry point for this illicit activity. HITO asserted that there is currently no governmental system in place to regulate imports or monitor transit efficiently. The socio-economic consequences of this trade were also addressed, revealing that many young individuals in Ri-Bhoi have abandoned their education to engage in smuggling, which offers quicker financial returns than schooling.
The organization proposed several measures to combat the issue. These include establishing permanent livestock and meat check gates at crucial locations, verifying the origin and ownership of every consignment, enforcing mandatory veterinary health checks, deploying mobile inspection squads for nighttime operations, and imposing strict penalties on offenders as well as any complicit officials. HITO also called for community awareness initiatives and alternative livelihood programs to discourage youth from participating in illegal activities.
HITO warned that if the government fails to take action, the organization would conduct its own inspections and investigations to reveal smuggling routes, facilitators, and instances of official negligence, with the intention of making these findings public and presenting them to authorities. “This is a matter demanding urgency, not prolonged deliberation,” HITO stated, underscoring that the health of the people, adherence to the rule of law, and the economic integrity of Meghalaya are all at stake.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/livestock-smuggling-meghalaya-hito-urges-urgent-government-action-1259743-2025-08-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-08-12 08:34:00
