SHILLONG, June 10 - After the Kerala Assembly, Meghalaya Assembly too would hold a discussion on the Centre�s new cattle trade regulation through a Government resolution during a special session to be convened on Monday.
Although Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma has said that the special session is being convened to approve the draft Goods and Services Tax Bill, however, Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal told The Assam Tribune that discussions would also be held on cattle sale regulations.
�A Government regulation has been listed in the business of the House to discuss on the notification regarding Cattle trade regulations,� the Speaker informed.
One of the staple foods of the people of Meghalaya is beef. According to reports, Meghalaya has the highest consumption of beef in the country with over 80 per cent of the population consuming beef.
However, the State is dependent on import of cattle from outside as livestock production in the State is marginal.
Therefore, there is widespread opposition against the new regulations as there is apprehension that the regulation would eventually lead to a complete ban on cow slaughter.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills District Magistrate, PS Dkhar has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting assembly of five or more persons within a radius of 500 metres of the temporary Assembly building at Rilbong here.
The order shall come into force on June 12 and remain in force till the conclusion of the Special Assembly Session,� the source said.
