Beef strike called off

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JAN 13: The Khasi-Jaintia Butchers’ Welfare Association (KJBWA) on Friday called off their indefinite strike after the government issued order making it mandatory for regular health check-up and ear tagging of cattle in the state.

The sale of beef in the six districts of the Khasi – Jaintia hills region was affected for the past four days after the butchers decided to shut down their shops from January 9.

Addressing newsmen on Friday, KJBWA vice president Generous Warlarpih said, “We have decided to call off our indefinite strike and the sale of beef will resume from January 16.”

He said the decision was taken after the director of the state Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department in a letter to the association on January 9 assured to conduct regular health check-up of cattle.

“The department has agreed to hold the health check-up and ear tagging of cattle at the new market at Ronghona, Byrnihat,” Warlarpih said.

It may be mentioned the new market was established as a mark of protest against the Syiem of Hima Mylliem’s decision to do away with the health check up and ear-tagging of cattle in Khanapara market.

He said cattle coming from outside the state sold even in the Khanapara market will not be allowed to enter the state unless they are subjected to proper health screening.

“The ear tag on the cattle will indicate that they are safe for consumption,” he said while reminding that the other main objective of ear tagging is to prevent smuggling of cattle to neighbouring Bangladesh.

On the other hand, Elton Warjri, leader of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), which is supporting the KJBWA, urged all the traders to cooperate with the association in the interest of the meat consumers.

He also warned that if cattle without ear tag are found to be sold, they would be returned back.