SHILLONG, June 12 - Meghalaya Assembly today adopted a resolution urging the Central Government �to withdraw the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 with immediate effect to maintain the federal and secular character of the Constitution.�
�Taking a strong note of the shortcomings and infirmities in the Rules the House resolved that the rules be withdrawn by the Government of India with immediate effect.� The resolution was unanimously adopted by the House after a brief discussion.
Earlier, tabling the Resolution, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, the rules were beyond the scope and object set out in the Preamble of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 thus infringing upon the rights of States.
The Chief Minister stated that the Rules would have a �dangerous� ramification on the poor farmers and is an �assault on the federal structure of the country� and cannot be implemented in the State in its present form.
He informed the House that cattle meat is an integral part of the dietary habits of the tribal populace of Meghalaya, since it is rich in minerals and is one of the cheap sources of protein, especially for the weaker section of the society.
The demand of beef across the State is 23,634 metric tonnes as per figures for the year 2015-16. The beef production within the State is only 12,834 metric tonnes and the remaining 10,800 metric tonnes is imported, Sangma informed the House.
The CM said the Rules would �severely hamper the socio-economic, cultural and religious rights of the people guaranteed under the Constitution.�
Opposition member from the United Democratic Party, Paul Lyngdoh said that the rules also go against the country�s objective to provide a nutritional diet to the people.
Former Chief Minister DD Lapang participating in the discussions said that India has been known throughout the world for its �unity in diversity� and this should not be disturbed at any cost.
