In Pakistani waters: MSA frees 30 Indian fishermen, arrest 10 others
The detentions came two months after more than 300 were released from Pakistani jails as a goodwill gesture.
The detentions came two months after more than 300 were released from Pakistani jails as a goodwill gesture. PHOTO: EPA
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s Maritime Security Agency has arrested at least 40 Indian fishermen after they strayed into its territorial waters, an official said Friday.
The fishermen were handed over to the police for further legal proceedings. Such arrests are frequently carried out by both countries, as many fishing boats lack the technology needed to be certain of their precise location.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2013.
Pakistan’s Maritime Security Agency has arrested at least 40 Indian fishermen after they strayed into its territorial waters, an official said Friday.
The fishermen were held on Thursday after sailing deep into Pakistani waters, though 30 have since been released, an official from Maritime Security Agency (MSA) told AFP.
The detentions came two months after more than 300 were released from Pakistani jails as a goodwill gesture.
“They illegally came 30 to 35 nautical miles deep into Pakistani territorial waters and we arrested them,” Commander Mohammad Farooq said.
“On humanitarian grounds we set 30 old fishermen free there in line of our policy to not arrest children and old fishermen.”
The fishermen were handed over to the police for further legal proceedings. Such arrests are frequently carried out by both countries, as many fishing boats lack the technology needed to be certain of their precise location.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2013.