In another goodwill gesture, Pakistan government on Thursday sent home 257 Indian fishermen through the Attari border. Though 315 fishermen were to be released, only 257 had reached the border at the time of filing of report since one of the buses ferrying them had developed a snag. Others were likely to reach India late in the night.
Having a sigh of relief after returnin to their homeland, the fishermen said governments of both the countries should take a lenient view of such fishermen.
Talking to reporters, fisherman Jagdish said, "I had gone to the sea for fishing. But soon the naval guards of Pakistan came and arrested me along with others. Since then we were lodged in Landi jail of Karachi. I am coming home after seven months. I am happy that I am in my country now and will start life afresh. Certainly, we will go fishing, as that is our livelihood," he added.
Sanjit, another fisherman, said, "There is no demarcation in the waters and for years, Pakistani guards have been arresting our men. The government must do something and there should be a marking in the waters so that we do not get into trouble."
Sanjit said both Indian and Pakistani governments must take a lenient view in case of fishermen and release them immediately.
{{/usCountry}}Sanjit said both Indian and Pakistani governments must take a lenient view in case of fishermen and release them immediately.
{{/usCountry}}These fishermen mostly belonged to Gujarat and claimed that they had lost their boats and nets when they were arrested.
A team of the Gujarat Fisheries Board had arrived at the border to receive them. The district administration has made arrangements for these fishermen at a local school.