The district administration of Eastern West Khasi Hills has imposed a ban on the illegal transportation of fish from Bangladesh, citing concerns over unlawful trade, public safety, and security along the international border. Exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, District Magistrate A. Kharpor issued a prohibitory order restricting the movement, storage, sale, and distribution of fish brought in from Bangladesh without proper authorisation or valid documents. The order also prohibits the use of vehicles, boats, or any other means to transport such consignments and warns against any form of assistance or facilitation of the illegal trade. Officials have cautioned that stringent legal action will be taken against violators under Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023, in addition to other relevant laws.
According to the administration, the decision was taken following intelligence inputs and apprehensions that illegal fish consignments could enter the district through border routes, river channels, roads, and local markets. Such activities, authorities said, pose risks to national security, public order, public health, and the local economy.
