In Pakistani waters: 61 Indian fishermen arrested, boats seized

SHO says 'we have also conducted an investigation to make sure all were fishermen, no one was criminal or terrorist

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) has apprehended 61 Indian fishermen for fishing illegally in Pakistani waters.

MSA officials said the Indian fishermen were held along with 11 boats for violation of territorial limits when they were found fishing illegally in Pakistani waters. The arrested fishermen were later handed over to the Docks police who subsequently registered cases against them under the Foreign Act and the Fisheries Act.

Docks SHO Sajjad Mangi said the Indian fishermen will be produced before a court today (Saturday). Later, they will be sent to the District Malir Jail, Karachi, he added.

“We have also conducted an investigation to make sure all of them were fishermen and no one was a criminal or terrorist,” said Mangi. “A separate case will be lodged if anyone among them is found guilty.”

This is not the first time that Indian fishermen have violated territorial water boundaries. On September 29, MSA had arrested 25 Indian fishermen and seized their boats. Such arrests are frequently carried out by both countries, as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2014.