Aizawl, May 21: Members of the Mizoram Pig Farmers’ Association set fire to imported frozen pork outside the PIGFED meat house in Khatla, Aizawl, condemning the imports as a key factor in the spread of African Swine Fever in the state.
The Association blamed the import of these frozen meat for the spread of African Swine Fever in the State and stated that though the government had issued a ban on the import of live pigs, fresh pork and all other pork products including frozen pork from other States and countries. They also appealed to the government to take necessary actions to check the import of the frozen meat.
The protesters specifically called out importers such as KT Business (Zemabawk), Pi Malsawmi of Star Farm (Dawrpui Vengthar), Honesty Food, and Mam’s Food for damaging local pig farmers’ livelihoods. They requested these businesses to cease selling frozen pork once their current stock is depleted.
The Association also issued a warning to KLS courier and VLD Logistic to stop their import service into Mizoram, and added that if they continue to import, and untoward event happens it falls upon them, the Association will not bear any responsibility.
Furthermore, the Association appealed for public support stating that their business has undergone immense loss with the loss of many livestock taken on loan due to the African Swine Fever that devastated the state since April 16, 2021.