Ban on sale and purchase of cattle not acceptable: Meghalaya government

GUWAHATI: Meghalaya has decided not to implement new notification on sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter. Senior cabinet minister Prestone Tynsong told ET, “We want the Centre to withdraw the new notification for it is against the tradition of the state and we will oppose the same tooth and nail.” He said it is a state subject and the Centre should not interfere . “ We are stoutly against this new regulation. Why was regulation for slaughter of cow being inserted in Wildlife Act without consulting the respective state governments. People in Meghalaya live eating beef.”

The ban has also evoked sharp reaction in the state unit of BJP with some leaders threatening to quit if the ban is not lifted. Even its ally in Manipur t and member of BJP- floated platform of non-Congress parties Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA), National People’s Party (NPP) have urged PM Narendra Modi to denotify the notification.

NPP leader Conrad Sangma in a letter to the PM said there are concerns from many quarters regarding the notification.