Tripura replies to Pinarayi Vijayan's letter

Thiruvananthapuram: Tripura has expressed solidarity with the state on its opposition to the Centre's cattle trade restrictions.

Manik Sarkar in reply to the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's letter said Tripura agreed to the demand for calling chief ministers' meeting to discuss the issue.
Mr Vijayan had written to all chief ministers saying the restrictions would adversely affect the livelihood of the millions of people, especially the agriculture sector.

Mr Sarkar pointed out that many states shared similar anxieties and perspectives.

The convening of such a meeting is essential to highlight the anti-democratic and anti-federalist stand of the Union, he said.

Mr Vijayan had urged the chief ministers of other states to support the fight against Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 issued on May 23, 2017, by the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change.

Karnataka chief minister K. Siddaramaiah had earlier come out against it saying it was not mandatory to follow every notification from the Centre and made it clear that it was a state subject.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had also come out against the Centre. However, they are yet to respond to Mr Vijayan’s letter seeking support for a joint action on the issue.