Shillong: The district magistrate in charge, East Khasi Hills, Shillong, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023, banning the transportation, storage, sale or distribution of fish illegally imported from Bangladesh without valid legal documents.The order also prohibits the use of any vehicle, vessel, boat or other conveyance, and bars assisting, harbouring or facilitating individuals or groups involved in such illegal activities within East Khasi Hills district.
“This order has been issued in view of reports received that illegal transportation of fish from Bangladesh is taking place through various border routes, riverine channels, roads, and market points within the state, and such illegal items may enter the district through various channels,” the prohibitory order issued on Monday read. “Such illegal transportation and entry of unregulated fish is a violation of Customs, import-export, and other relevant food safety regulations, including the potential of introducing diseased or restricted species,” the DM stated.The order said such “illegal, unchecked and uncertified sale and distribution of these foreign-origin fish pose a serious risk to public health and sanitation, negatively impact the bio-security of local aquatic ecosystem and cause economic loss to legitimate fish traders and the state govt.”“Any person violating this order shall be liable for action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023 and other relevant provisions of law including the Customs Act, Foreigners Act, Passport Act etc,” the order warned. The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.Earlier, on Jan 15, the district magistrate, eastern west Khasi Hills district, Mairang, had issued a similar order under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita , prohibiting the transportation, storage, sale or distribution of fish “illegally imported” from Bangladesh.That order followed reports that “illegal transportation of migrants and fish from Bangladesh” had been taking place through various border routes within Meghalaya, which shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh.
