SHILLONG, July 7 - The Khasi Jaintia Butchers� Welfare Association (KJBWA) on Saturday called off its indefinite strike following the Meghalaya Government�s decision to address the problem of cattle smuggling.
Addressing media persons after its meeting held here, Association president Generous Warlarpih said, �We have decided to withdraw the indefinite strike and all shops across Khasi-Jaintia Hills region will re-open with immediate effect.�
The sale of beef came to a standstill for the past one month after the butchers decided to stop purchase of cattle from Khanapara market in Ri-Bhoi district as a mark of protest against the Hima Mylliem�s decision to open the market on a daily basis instead of just once a week.
He said the Association also expressed its gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for taking up the matter �very seriously�.
The State Government in a meeting held on Friday decided to notify the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department for issuing health certificate and transportation challan of cattle in the State. According to Tynsong, who is also in-charge of Veterinary, the department is authorised to look into this matter as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
�Henceforth, the Veterinary department has to step in. The health certificate will be issued to animals which are brought to the State (from outside) for slaughtering or farming or any other purposes after proper check up is conducted by our Veterinary doctors,� Tynsong informed.
