Fishermen narrate ordeal in Indian jails

Seven Pakistani released by the Indian authorities shared their ordeals of discrimination, torture and abuse in the Indian prisons.

Many Pakistani fishermen were languishing in Indian prisons even after completion of their sentences, they said at a welcome ceremony at Edhi Centre in Kharadar on Monday.

The fishermen, released after seven years, had accidentally entered the India waters due to a cyclone.

Moving scenes were witnessed as families hugged and garlanded Gul Sher, Samar, Ghulam Mustafa, Rajan, Suganju, Abdullah and Allah Bachaya on their arrival at Edhi Centre.

Narrating his ordeal, Abdullah said that the Indian authorities subjected them and other Pakistani prisoners, especially the fishermen, to inhumane treatment. He said that many Pakistani fishermen, including his brother, are still in Indian jails and have not been released despite release orders.

The released fishermen said that Indian authorities kept in locked rooms and did not allow to see the sun for almost a year. They were not provided proper food and meted out severe inhuman physical and mental punishment.

The released fishermen have urged the Pakistan government to take immediate steps for the release of Pakistani fishermen languishing in Indian jails.