HT Correspondent
NAGAON, Aug 28: Amid threats from the Nagaon District Fishermen’s Association to stop supplying fish to Upper Assam, the Beer Lachit Sena took a strong stand against Miya Muslim fishermen on Wednesday in Nagaon.
Members of the Beer Lachit Sena launched an operation in Nagaon’s fish markets, particularly in the Barbazar Fish Market, to prevent fishermen from Juriya, Rupahi, and other areas from selling their fish. The organisation also halted fish-laden vehicles from entering Nagaon town and sent them back.
The drive was reportedly carried out peacefully, with no untoward incidents. The organisation urged the fishermen of Barbazar not to buy fish from Miya Muslim fishermen, and the local fishermen agreed to cooperate with the Beer Lachit Sena on this matter.
Meanwhile, the Nagaon police have tightened security in the local markets and have arrested two leaders of the organisation: Nagaon district Bitupan Saikia and member Darpan Borah. The Beer Lachit Sena strongly condemned the arrest of its leaders.
Rupjyoti Saikia, district president of the organisation, told local media, “Even if we are arrested and sent to jail, our struggle will continue.” He stated that if the Nagaon District Fishermen’s Association does not apologise to the people of Upper Assam and to Beer Lachit Sena, they will be barred from selling fish in the market. The organisation also warned that only indigenous fish farmers will be allowed to sell fish in the market.
The drive by the Beer Lachit Sena has severely impacted the fish trade in the district. It is pertinent to mention that the Nagaon District Fishermen’s Association had previously threatened to stop supplying fish to Upper Assam.
In a related development, Nagaon police have detained Jahirul Islam, secretary of the Nagaon District Fishermen’s Association, for questioning.
