A cow protection bill has been planned to be passed by the government in the next assembly session to ban transport of the animal outside the state, said Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Saturday.

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi addressing the first session of the 15th Assam Legislative Assembly said that cow is considered as a sacred animal and people revere and worship them.

“I am happy to inform you that my government plans to introduce the Cow Protection Bill in the next assembly session. The proposed bill envisages imposition of complete ban on transport of cattle outside the state,” he said.

Stringent punishment will be enforced for anyone found transporting cows outside Assam, the governor said.

“Once passed, Assam will join other states which have passed similar bills,” he said.

Mukhi also said cows nurture people as the animal gives them “life-sustaining milk”.