GOLAKGANJ, May 2 � Smuggling of bovines is on the rise along the Indo-Bangla border in Dhubri with the local administration turning a blind eye to the going-ons.
While hundreds of bovines are being smuggled almost on a daily basis, the police or security forces remain inactive, thanks to the inclement weather. It is worthwhile to mention that the international border between India and Bangladesh at Dhubri covers 121.705 km comprising 32 km of river and 89.705 km land area. The entire area is under the jurisdiction of two subdivisions � Dhubri and South-Salmara-Mankachar in Dhubri district.
Sources said any bovine purchased at Rs 10,000 on this side of the border is sold at Rs 30,000 on the other side. A jersey cow purchased at Rs 15,000 is sold at triple the price on the other side. Not less than 500 cows are being smuggled through each point these days.
It may be mentioned that the indigenous population in the area are the worst sufferers of this notorious trade. Not a day passes when conflicts between smugglers or their agents and indigenous people does not occur. However, the local administration prefers to remain a mute spectator.
