Shillong June 12: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the State government has instructed the Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police of different districts and all government machinery to make sure that cattle smuggling is stopped totally.

The Deputy Chief Minister also urged the butchers’ association to work together with the government and withdraw their agitation by coming up with suggestions on the need to improve the system of bringing cattle meant for meat consumption.

The butchers have stopped selling beef for nearly one week to protest against the failure of the government to stop cattle smuggling to Bangladesh.

“When we talk about smuggling via the international border, we have instructed the IG of BSF to be more vigilant on this and make sure 24×7 vigilant along the international border. We should not blame each other be it centre or state. The international border is being manned by the BSF, but instructions have been also given to state machineries and central to be more active to stop cattle smuggling,” he said.

Asking all concerns to be vigilant and report to nearest police station if there are vehicles suspected of ferrying cattle, Tynsong said that it is not easy to combat the whole network. I appeal to all let us be vigilant.

Stating that the Milk mission was launched with an objective of reducing dependence on cattle from outside, Tynsong said that as of today, 100 percent cattle is being imported from outside, but the government wanted to encourage the people to rear more cattle with cross breeds and local breeds.

On sick cattle, Tynsong said that specific case should be brought to the notice of the government and suspend immediately the doctor.

“We have deputed one doctor to check the cattle before lifting them. If found guilty, I will not spare because supplying to our people with such cattle it is dangerous to consume,” Tynsong said.