4 held for fishing using batteries
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, June 11 2019: Despite the mass movement against fishing with the use of illegal means in Loktak lake, Loktak Fishing Association Ningthoukhong detained four individuals for fishing using batteries yesterday midnight, reports our correspondent.

They were later handed over to Forest Department.

Following a confrontation between the association and the individuals, fishermen of the association reportedly chased the individuals from Ningthoukhong ITC Pandon and caught them at Thinungei Kha Mamang Hee Thangpham Tatabi Maril at around 2 am today.

The detained persons have been identified as P Naoba and his brother P Prabishkumar of Thinungei Makha Leikai, Laishram Dhiren, Laishram Oken while two 12V batteries, two DC to AC convertor machines, two fishing nets, three electric rod were also seized from them.

Ningthoukhong Municipal Council Chairperson L Ibungo, ward Councillors, Forest officials led by N Biraj Singh, Bishnupur police were present when the four individuals were handed over to the Department.

Speaking to media persons, one of the fishermen maintained that such means of fishing will eventually ruin the only source of livelihood for many fishermen in the near future.

This process will also deplete fish production and kill small fishes as well, the fishermen said and added that over 20 members of the association, after receiving some information, chased the culprits and caught them.

The fishermen appealed to all the people and the authorities concerned not to repeat such actions in the future.

Meanwhile, N Biraj remarked that such fishing using batteries destroy many small organisms and other water bodies apart from fishes.

Biraj informed that there is a possibility for the culprits to face three years jail time or payment of 25,000 as fine for punishment or both punishment could also be served to them depending on the severity of the crime, under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.The officer further urged all, especially fishermen and fish farmers to abide by the law and not repeat such act in the future.

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