Pakistan sends home 78 Indians, mostly fishermen

Most of the prisoners were fishermen from Gujarat and were lodged in Landi Jail in Karachi.

In a goodwill gesture, the Pakistan government on Monday released 78 Indian Nationals which included 77 fishermen into the custody of the Border Security Force (BSF).

Indian fishermen arrive at a Red Cross House after being released by Pakistani authorities, in Amritsar on July 10. (AFP Photo)

The Indian nationals spent different terms in Pakistani jails before they were handed over on the Wagah-Attari joint check post by the Pakistan Rangers.

“It is great to be back home but I feel that lenient view must be taken by the forces for fishermen. The fishermen go into the sea to earn livelihood and there is no clarity in water about border crossing,” said Ram Safar, one of those who was sent back.

Similarly, Sanjay Kumar, another fisherman, said that it is unfair to put fishermen behind the bars as they just go into sea for work. Both the countries must release them immediately after verification, he added.

Most of the fishermen hailed from Gujarat and were lodged in Landi Jail of Karachi.