The Joint Verification and Monitoring Committee (JVMC) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Veterinary department has clarified that it has initiated systematic checking measures and mechanisms to ensure no spread of contagious diseases in the area in the interest of general consumers, so that livestock only fit for consumption was available in the market and necessary government regulated taxes were paid.
In a press note, while notifying all traders involved in the supply of poultry and livestock within its jurisdiction and in transit, JVMC observed that diverse routes were being used by few traders to evade checking and continue illicit activities.
The committee admitted that strict checking in check gates were being carried out in KAAC areas and clarified that apprehension from various organisations, especially in neighbouring Nagaland, and various allegations were baseless.
Referring to the recent correspondence between the advisor Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Nagaland and KAAC, wherein it was alleged that checking and harassment were being faced by some poultry traders following the correspondence, the committee clarified that there were no restrictions during transit of livestock products, provided valid documents as per the guidelines were shown.
The committee admitted that precautionary mitigating measures were being adopted to avoid spread of any contagious disease in the region and correct procedures were being complied as per the guidelines, in coordination with other states, which was a standard practice as per the Prevention And Control of Infectious And Contagious Diseases In Animals Act, 2009.
The committee stated that in case of any difficulties, the matter could be brought to the authorities concerned for redressal. It clarified that JVMC was not carrying out checking, under external influence or as per Nagaland AH&VH advisor’s precautionary letter.
However, the notification mentioned that some traders were still continuing to use all illegal methods to avoid government guidelines, against the SOP formulated under KAAC jurisdiction, for which cooperation from all stakeholders/departments involved with livestock movements and transit was important in the interest of pubic consumers.