The District Magistrate, Eastern West Khasi Hills District, Mairang (DM), on January 13, 2026, issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), prohibiting the transportation, storage, sale, or distribution of fish illegally imported from Bangladesh without valid legal documents. The order also bars the use of any vehicle, vessel, or boat, and restrains any assistance, harbouring, or facilitation of persons or groups involved in such illegal activities.
The order has been issued in view of reports indicating illegal transportation of migrants and fish from Bangladesh through various border routes, riverine channels, roads, and market points, with the likelihood of such illegal imports entering the district. The District Magistrate noted that these activities pose serious threats to national security, public order, public health, and economic interests, warranting immediate preventive action. [Order under Section 163 BNSS, 2023]
It has been directed that any violation of this prohibitory order shall invite prosecution under Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023, along with other applicable provisions of law, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Customs Act, the Foreigners Act, and the Passport Act. The order is aimed at ensuring strict enforcement to curb illegal cross-border activities within the district.
[Order under Section 163 BNSS, 2023]
