Fish Trade Standoff: Nagaon Traders Halt Supplies to Upper Assam Amid Community Tensions

Fish traders from Nagaon district announced an indefinite halt in fish supplies to Upper Assam as a response to targeted aggression toward the 'Miya' community. The decision came after a group in Upper Assam blamed the community for a gang-rape incident, sparking economic and social tensions.

A section of fish traders from Nagaon district announced on Tuesday that they would indefinitely stop sending their products to Upper Assam due to targeted aggression against the 'Miya' community.

Around four quintals of fish are supplied daily from Nagaon to Upper Assam, which comprises nine districts.

The Greater Juria Fish Keepers Association in Nagaon decided to suspend the supply after groups in Upper Assam targeted the Miya community following the gang-rape of a minor girl at Dhing, Nagaon.

Originally a pejorative term for Bengali-speaking Muslims, 'Miya' has been reclaimed by the community as a gesture of defiance.

Association president Ibrahim Khan stated that the suspension would continue until the aggression stops. Nagaon is the leading fish producer in Assam. The community faced ultimatums to leave Upper Assam after the rape incident.

A 14-year-old girl was raped on August 22, and the prime suspect died in police custody. The traders' association vowed strict action against members violating the supply ban.

In Sivasagar, locals reacted indifferently, asserting they are not dependent on Miya traders.

(With inputs from agencies.)