Homecoming: Fishermen complain about ill treatment at Indian jails

17 Pakistani fishermen speak about their nightmarish experience in India

KARACHI: Saddam Hussain Jatoi, one of the 17 Pakistani fishermen freed by India on Thursday, says that he broke down in tears after crossing into Pakistan at Wagah border.

“People say that getting married is the happiest moment of one’s life. But for me, the happiest moment of my life was coming back home,” said Jatoi as tears rolled down his cheeks. He returned home after languishing in an Indian jail for nearly a year.

The Pakistani fishermen reached Karachi Friday evening where they were received by their relatives at the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society office at the Fish Harbour.



Jatoi said he felt that had come to Pakistan after years. “As soon as I saw the Pakistani flag at the border, I started crying. The soldiers gave us sweets and hugged us. I am very happy to be back.”

The fishermen, who hail from Shah Bandar, Kharochan, Keti Bundar and Karachi, complained of ill-treatment by the Indians in the jails of Gujarat.

Mohmmad Hanif, 20, told how they would get soggy lentils and vegetables for food every day. “It was bad food,” he said, vowing never to go back to the sea again.

His uncle Nazeer Ahmed said that when they were arrested, they were beaten up with iron rods. Worse was when they were never allowed to call homes or write letters, he said. “My children are waiting for me at home in Thatta. As soon I go home I will hug them and my mother.”

Thirteen of the fishermen were captured in December 2013 while four of them were captured in February last by the Indians in the disputed waters of the Arabian Sea.

The youngest of them, 12-year-old Qurban, appeared nervous. Speaking in broken Urdu, he said it was the first time he had set sail and was arrested.

Outside the office, relatives with garlands and rose petals stood, hugging the fishermen once they came out. A beaming Rehmatullah left from Thatta for Karachi as soon as he heard that his brother Muhammad Ismail was released.

Chairman of the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society Nisar Morai said there were 124 fishermen languishing in Indian jails. “One of the issues we want to be sorted out is that the boats of the fishermen be returned when they are released. Pakistan released Indian boats as a goodwill gesture but India has yet to reciprocate.”

Kamal Shah of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum called for immediate release of all fishermen in Indian jails. “We appeal for all the men to be released.”

Going back home now, the elderly fishermen hoped that they won’t be captured again.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2015.