Just folks! They defy 144 CrPC, fish in Deepor Beel

General public also rushed to Beel either for amusement or for buying fish, and defied the order against assembly of over five people

Our Bureau

AZARA/GUWAHATI, Jan 10: It is rightly said that different strokes for different folks. This has been proved today by the fishing folks living in the greater Azara revenue circle in Kamrup (M) district. What happened in Deepor Beel today proves it beyond doubt that they are just folks, and as though no prohibitory order can bar them from celebrating what they say – Beelmara Utsav or Fishing Festival – on the eve of Bhogali Bihu.

Under the banner of Deepor Beel Panchpara Masmoria Samabai Samiti, a cooperative society of fishing folks, fishermen from villages like Keotpara, Heerapara, Nuapara, tunbasti, Borbori, Matia etc., under Azara revenue circle today defied the order under 144 CrPC that was promulgated by the Kamrup (M) district administration. The village folks in large number came with various types of fishing nets and bamboo traps this morning and started fishing, defying the prohibitory order and daring the chilling cold. The fishermen are not the only ones who defied the prohibitory order. The general public also rushed to the spot in large number, either for amusement or for buying fish, and defied the order against the assembly of more than five people in accordance with the prohibitory order.

Since last night, the district administration had been on alert not to allow fishing in the Beel, but they failed.

Guwahati West District Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (in-charge) Amithabh Basumatary had promulgated 144 CrPC in and around Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary in the city from January 1, 2016. The prohibitory order will remain in force toll January 31 this year. In accordance with the prohibitory order, not more than five people are allowed to gather within the vicinity of the sanctuary. The prohibitory order had been promulgated keeping in mind the rush of picnickers around the sanctuary during this season. The order is a precautiory measure to protect wildlife and maintain law and order in the area.

The community fishing was earlier scheduled on January 3 when the fishing could not be done due to the prohibitory order. With Uruka coming closer, the fishermen could not keep their enthusiasm for fishing under control and defied the order today.

With today’s community fishing, fish is in abundance at Azara Godhuli Bazar where, as the tradition goes, fish is sold not on weight but on ‘Aska’ (assessment of size).  This smack of the fact that they are just folks. However, despite the abundance of fish in the market, fish prices have soared very high due to high demand on the eve of Uruka.

Rohu, bharali (wallago), bokua (catla), mirika (mrigala), kurhi etc., are some of the fish species they were caught and sold mostly in the market.