Poultry Union Dimapur (PUD) on Thursday has decided to temporarily suspend its indefinite ban on poultry import. This was announced at a press meet by PUD general secretary Keyigwalunga who explained that the decision to temporarily lift the ban was made following an appeal from additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Dimapur Mhalo Humtsoe and also taking into consideration the verbal assurances from poultry trader Ranjit Teron to media persons at an earlier press conference at Lahorijan on August 13.
The ban on poultry came into effect from August 10 midnight against import of poultry consignments from Assam due to unauthorised imposition of Rs.30 per kg on poultry allegedly by one Rajnit Teron in Karbi Anglong on consignments meant for Nagaland.
However, Teron had denied collecting Rs. 30 per kg on poultry bound for Nagaland under the guise of inspection of poultry bound for Nagaland.
Keyigwalunga said the PUD will closely monitor the commitment and assurances of Teron, who had also expressed readiness to face legal consequences if any evidence of his involvement in any syndicate was shown.
Keyigwalunga also disclosed that the Dimapur district administration had called PUD representatives and at the meeting, apprised them of the seriousness with which the matter was being taken up by the administration.
The PUD general secretary said the Union has demanded unimpeded movement of poultry consignments between farms in Assam to Nagaland border gate and warned that if the Lahorijan syndicate persisted, then PUD would have no choice but to re-impose the ban.
Meanwhile, ADC Dimapur Humtsoe confirmed that a meeting was held with Poultry Union Dimapur members.
She also disclosed that DC Dimapur had already dispatched a letter to his counterpart in Karbi Anglong on August 10, on the issue and that a response was awaited.
She said the deputy commissioner Dimapur was constantly in touch with his counterpart in Karbi Anglong over the matter.