Cachar Police Confiscates Cows from Various Parts of Silchar; “Will Release if Not Meant for Slaughter,” SP

The eve of Eid al-Adha, commonly translated as the Feast of Sacrifice in Islam, has seen police outposts of Silchar usually crowded with cows. Since the afternoon on Sunday, the police officials started searching vehicles, especially those carrying cows. Such vehicles are stopped, and the cows have been confiscated on most occasions.

The confiscated cows are detained in Rangirkhari Police Station, Tarapur Police Outpost, and at similar posts throughout the Silchar town. At around midnight, a family from Ghoniala in Silchar informed that police officials have been carrying out search and rescue operations in the area to identify cows and detain them.

Speaking with Barak Bulletin, Cachar SP, Numal Mahatta, said, “We have seized some cows which were being transported to various places in the valley. We will verify, and when found not meant for slaughter, will be released.” SP Mahatta did not comment when asked if the police were only confiscating cows during transportation or if they were carrying out a search and rescue operation as well.

It is worth mentioning here that the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 states, “The relevant authority may inspect and seize cattle and vehicles used for offences under the Bill. Upon conviction, the seized cattle and vehicles will be forfeited to the state government.” The act permits Sub-Inspector and above to search within jurisdiction to investigate if there is a violation of the Act.

The Act prohibits the slaughter of cattle unless a fit-to-slaughter certificate is issued by the concerned authorities. Slaughtering of cows deemed fit-to-slaughter is only allowed in areas that are not within a five-kilometre radius of Hindu, Jain, or Sikh places of worship.

Under the Act, cattle refer to bulls, bullocks, cows, heifers (a cow that has borne zero or one calf), calves, male and female buffaloes, and buffalo calves. The Act. prohibits the slaughter of: (i) cows of all ages, and (ii) other cattle, unless a fit-for-slaughter certificate is issued. Such certificate will only be issued by the veterinary officer if the cattle (excluding cow, heifer, or calf): (i) is over 14 years of age, or (ii) has become permanently incapacitated due to accidental injury or deformity. Slaughter excludes the accidental killing of cattle.

It is clear that the Cachar Police is enforcing the Act. However, some people facing the wrath of the enforcement have blamed the administration for a lack of awareness and sensitization. Ansar Hussain Barlaskar of Cachar Congress’ urged Cachar Police to release the cows after a necessary investigation. He aslo mentioned that if such resolution was taken, it was the duty of the administration and members of the Civil Committee present in the Peace Meeting to generate awareness through proper channels. “I have full faith on the administration and the Police have always cooperated. I am sure they will look into the matter and resolve the issue,” said Barlaskar.