Hundreds of fish were reportedly found dead in Aphah River in Umkiang, East Jaiñtia Hills district today.
Locals informed that fish were found dead this morning and were seen floating on the surface of the river water. They said bottles suspected to be poison were also found in the riverbank.
Members of the Eastern Narpuh Border Fishing Association (ENBFA) visited the river and alleged that Bangladeshis were behind the death of fish by using toxic substances to kill them.
President of the association, Fin Surong stated that illegal immigrants often cross over to India through a forest near the river and now are unable to, with the presence of anglers they could not sneak through. “Hence they (Bangladeshis) have chosen to poison the fish,”
Surong said the five bottles of some toxic substance with a brand in Bangladesh were found on the riverbank.
The association has questioned the responsibility of the Border Security Force, tasked to keep vigil along the Indo-Bangladesh border, for failing to keep vigil of illegal immigrants.
