South Salmara-Mankachar, September 7, 2026: Assam Police have stepped up efforts to curb cattle smuggling through the state’s riverine and border areas, with a recent patrol in South Salmara-Mankachar district leading to the seizure of 51 cattle and a boat.
According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, police personnel intercepted the suspected cattle movement while carrying out routine surveillance in the area. One person was taken into custody in connection with the incident.
The seizure highlights the challenges faced by law-enforcement agencies in South Salmara-Mankachar, where waterways provide an alternative route for transporting goods and livestock. The latest action also comes amid intensified enforcement against the illegal movement of cattle across Assam.
Sharing details of the operation on social media, Sarma said the state police would continue their campaign to stop cattle smuggling regardless of whether the transportation takes place through land or waterways.
The Chief Minister’s statement also referred to similar enforcement action in Dhubri, signalling continued police vigilance in Assam’s western districts, particularly in areas where river routes and proximity to the international border can make surveillance more challenging.
The latest operation adds to the Assam Police’s ongoing efforts to detect and prevent illegal cattle transportation. The seizure of the boat, along with the cattle, indicates that authorities are paying particular attention to water-based routes used for suspected smuggling activities.
With enforcement operations continuing across vulnerable routes, the state government has reiterated its focus on preventing cattle smuggling and strengthening monitoring along both land and river corridors.
Further legal proceedings in the latest case are expected to follow as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the seized cattle and the apprehended person.
