Shillong District Magistrate Issues Strict Ban on Illegally Imported Fish from Bangladesh
The district magistrate of East Khasi Hills in Shillong has taken decisive action against the illegal fish trade by issuing a comprehensive prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This order specifically targets the transportation, storage, sale, or distribution of fish illegally imported from Bangladesh without valid legal documentation.
Comprehensive Restrictions and Enforcement Measures
The prohibitory order, which came into immediate effect on Monday, extends beyond just the fish products themselves. It explicitly prohibits the use of any vehicle, vessel, boat, or other conveyance for these illegal activities. Furthermore, the order bars individuals from assisting, harboring, or facilitating any persons or groups involved in such unlawful trade within the East Khasi Hills district.
According to the official order, this action was prompted by multiple reports indicating that illegal transportation of fish from Bangladesh is occurring through various border routes, riverine channels, roads, and market points within Meghalaya. The document warns that such illegal items could potentially enter the district through multiple channels.
Multiple Risks and Violations Cited
The district magistrate's order outlines several serious concerns regarding this illegal trade:
- Regulatory violations: The illegal transportation and entry of unregulated fish constitutes a clear violation of Customs regulations, import-export laws, and other relevant food safety standards.
- Public health threats: There is significant potential for these illegal imports to introduce diseased or restricted fish species that could pose serious risks to public health and sanitation.
- Environmental damage: The unchecked entry of foreign-origin fish negatively impacts the bio-security of local aquatic ecosystems.
- Economic consequences: This illegal trade causes substantial economic losses to legitimate fish traders and the state government.
Legal Consequences and Previous Actions
The order contains a stern warning that any person violating these restrictions will face legal action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023, along with other relevant provisions of law including the Customs Act, Foreigners Act, and Passport Act. This prohibitory order will remain in force until further notice from the authorities.
This is not the first such action in Meghalaya. Earlier, on January 15, the district magistrate of eastern West Khasi Hills district in Mairang had issued a similar order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. That order also prohibited the transportation, storage, sale, or distribution of fish illegally imported from Bangladesh.
The earlier order followed reports of illegal transportation of migrants and fish from Bangladesh occurring through various border routes within Meghalaya, which shares an extensive 443-kilometer border with Bangladesh. These consecutive actions highlight the ongoing challenges along the international border and the authorities' determination to regulate cross-border trade and protect local interests.
