According to a Times of India report, SBB, the Indian border guarding force in Bihar has alerted border posts to stop the movement of animals to Gadhimai festival. Animal rights campaigners welcome the decision, saying it will greatly help to reduce the numbers of animals being smuggled into Nepal and diminish the grave health risks involved in the mass sacrifice.The three main entry points which is used by Indian visitors to the fair are Raxaul (East Champaran), Sikta (West Champaran) and Barginia (Sitamarhi district). SSB has a total of 54 BOPs functional in these three districts.
"This has been done to prevent transportation of animals and birds, particularly fowls, from India to Nepal during the fair," SSB IG (frontier headquarters) Shyam Singh told TOI here on Wednesday.
"This has been done to prevent transportation of animals and birds, particularly fowls, from India to Nepal during the fair," SSB IG (frontier headquarters) Shyam Singh told TOI here on Wednesday.
Singh said though BOPs keep vigil even on normal days as transportation of animals and birds was an act of smuggling, yet keeping the Gadhimai fair in mind, an extra vigil would be maintained. "Law breakers will be dealt with sternly," the IG said.
Nepalese campaigners on November 10 handed over a petition at the Indian Embassy in Nepal requesting the curtailing of animal movement. Over the past weeks Indian groups including Beauty Without Cruelty, PETA and People for Animals have actively campaigned for a ban.
The TOI article can be read at http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/SSB-to-check-smuggling-of-animals-/articleshow/5228470.cms
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