Meghalaya to strengthen action against cattle smuggling near India-Bangladesh border

Meghalaya is preparing to tighten curbs on cattle smuggling along the India-Bangladesh border. The state government has outlined a set of measures aimed at stopping illegal movement of cattle and improving how seized animals are handled.

The decisions were discussed in a meeting held on Friday, where officials reviewed how existing efforts can be strengthened. The government’s focus includes operational steps at the district level and better monitoring in places considered vulnerable to smuggling activity.

District task forces and targeted check points

One key part of the plan is the creation of district-level task forces. These units are intended to strengthen enforcement on the ground and help authorities act more quickly when smuggling-related activity is detected in specific areas.

In addition, the government plans to establish check points in vulnerable areas along the border. The move is meant to increase scrutiny during the movement of livestock and to make it harder for smugglers to operate without being noticed.

Changes planned in SOP for seized cattle

The government also intends to make changes to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the maintenance of seized cattle. The update is aimed at ensuring that once cattle are confiscated, their upkeep and related handling follow clearer steps.

Along with maintenance procedures, the update to the SOP reflects an effort to improve the overall process from seizure to custody of the animals. By adjusting these guidelines, the government is looking to bring more consistency to how seized cattle are managed.

With these steps, the state government is signalling a broader enforcement approach that combines new field mechanisms with tighter procedures. Officials are expected to carry forward the decisions as preparations move toward implementation across the affected districts.