In a goodwill gesture, the Pakistan government on Friday sent home 89 Indian fishermen through the Attari border.
The prisoners were released from the Karachi Jail on Thursday and handed over to the Indian authorities on Friday at around 3.45pm.
A few days back India also released 39 Pakistani nationals including fishermen.
Most of the fishermen, amongst the 39 released, hailed from Gujarat and had gone for fishing before being nabbed by the Pakistani forces.
Sticking to their old demand, the fishermen in unison demanded for a lenient approach towards them saying that they just go to the waters to earn the livelihood and if they inadvertently enter Pakistani territory, then they must be let off.
"We pay big price for earning our bread and butter. I have spent almost two years in jail and not only it is an emotional setback but also living away from the family is very tough. The governments must understand that we are innocent who just cross territory by mistake", said one fisherman named Cheena.
Similarly, one Muhammad Alam said, "Apart from spending almost two years in jail, each of us lose our equipment used in fishing. There is no identification mark in water that differentiates between two nations. We want that our boats must be returned as well."
{{/usCountry}}Similarly, one Muhammad Alam said, "Apart from spending almost two years in jail, each of us lose our equipment used in fishing. There is no identification mark in water that differentiates between two nations. We want that our boats must be returned as well."
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