80 Indian fishermen set to release from Pak jails before Diwali
Around 180 Indian fishermen will still remain in Pakistani jails
Updated: Nov 2nd, 2023
The frequent and unfortunate news of Indian fishermen captured by Pakistan forces have engulfed the community and the country as a whole for long.
Many a time, the fishermen from India find themselves in Pakistani prisons for crossing the invisible ocean borders.
Days before Diwali, however, a ray of hope beacons as Pakistan announced the release of 80 Indian fishermen who had been held in Pakistani jails on Nov 9.
The Pakistan Marine Security Agency will release 80 Indian fishermen on Nov 9, and they will arrive at the Wagah border on Nov 10. Later, the fishermen will be sent to their respective home states via trains, including Veraval in Gujarat, where they will arrive on Nov 12.
Jivan Jungi, former president of the Shree Porbandar Machhimar Boat Association, said, “A huge number of fishermen have been apprehended by Pakistan over the years. Many of them were not released even after the completion of their punishments. There has been a wave of happiness among the families of fishermen in Porbandar after the news of their family member’s arrival.”
In May and June of this year, Pakistan released 398 fishermen. The latest number provided by the ministry of external affairs in Parliament stated that a total of 266 fishermen are currently held in Pakistani jails. After the latest scheduled release, around 180 Indian fishermen will still remain in Pakistani jails.
