144 Fishermen from Gujarat Still Detained in Pakistan
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Synopsis
As of January 31, 2024, a total of 144 fishermen from Gujarat remain incarcerated in Pakistani jails. Despite the release of 432 fishermen over the past year, the situation remains dire for those still detained.
Key Takeaways
- 144 Gujarat fishermen currently in Pakistani jails.
- No fishermen released since January 21, 2024.
- Only nine fishermen arrested in the past year.
- Over 1,173 boats from Gujarat held in Pakistan.
- Need for continuous diplomatic efforts to address the issue.
Gandhinagar, March 5 (NationPress) As of January 31, a total of 144 fishermen from Gujarat remain in Pakistani jails, the state government informed the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
In the period from February 1, 2023, to January 21, 2024, Pakistan released 432 Gujarat fishermen. However, there have been no releases since that time.
The number of Gujarat fishermen apprehended by Pakistan has significantly decreased, according to government reports. From February 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, only nine fishermen were detained by Pakistani authorities, compared to 13 arrests in the previous year, indicating a slight uptick.
Additionally, the state government disclosed that 1,173 boats from Gujarat are also under the control of Pakistan.
Over the last two years, Pakistan has detained 22 fishermen and confiscated four boats. Despite the release of 432 fishermen during this timeframe, not a single boat has been returned.
The issue of Indian fishermen being apprehended near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) remains a persistent concern, with ongoing diplomatic efforts focused on securing their freedom. As of July 1, 2024, a total of 211 Indian fishermen were held in Pakistani jails, with 134 originating from Gujarat.
This reflects a notable decrease compared to past years; for example, on December 31, 2022, there were 560 Gujarati fishermen incarcerated in Pakistan, with 274 captured in just 2021 and 2022. The decline in arrests suggests enhanced maritime practices and bilateral negotiations.
Despite these advancements, the extended detention of fishermen continues to affect their families and communities, underscoring the necessity for ongoing diplomatic efforts to facilitate timely releases and avert future detentions.
In February, 22 Indian fishermen were released from a Pakistani prison. They had been detained for “inadvertently” entering its waters between 2021 and 2022. Among these, 18 were from Gujarat, three were from Diu, and one hailed from Uttar Pradesh.
