Pakistan,SriLanka reciprocate; release fishermen!

[StormShadow]

Pakistan to release 151 Indian fishermen today​

KARACHI: Pakistan will release 151 Indian fishermen on Sunday as a goodwill gesture ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Indian government led by Narendra Modi on Monday.

An official at the Malir jail here, where Indian fishermen are lodged, said prison authorities have received orders from Islamabad to release the 151 fishermen who will be transported to Wagah border in Lahore.

"The government has decided to release these poor fishermen as a goodwill gesture," he said.

"The fishermen who belong to different Indian states will be given clothing, some cash, gifts and transported in buses from Karachi to Lahore," a jail source said.

Political analysts said the decision to release the fishermen could be to send positive signals to the new BJP-led government.

Last year in August Pakistan had released 337 Indian fishermen from the Malir and Central jails in Karachi as a goodwill gesture. Another 15 Indian fishermen were released as a goodwill gesture on Diwali.

According to Indian fishermen activists, at present around 229 Indian fishermen and about 780 Indian boats are in Pakistani custody. Similarly, around 200 Pakistani fishermen with 150 boats were lodged in Indian jails.

Fishermen from both countries are routinely arrested and their boats seized by maritime security forces in both countries when they trespass territorial waters jurisdictions.

Pakistan to release 151 Indian fishermen today - The Times of India

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Rajapaksa orders release of all Indian fishermen
​

Colombo: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered the release of all Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody as a goodwill measure to mark the swearing-in of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi.

Rajapaksa has ordered the release of all Indian fishermen ahead of his visit to New Delhi to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony tomorrow, a presidential spokesman said.

This is the second instance when Sri Lanka is releasing Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for poaching.

In March, Rajapaksa had ordered the release of arrested fishermen after India abstained from voting on an anti-Sri Lanka motion at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

India was one of the 12 nations that abstained from voting on the UNHRC resolution, which prescribed an international probe into Sri Lanka's alleged rights abuses.

India had previously backed two similar resolutions against Sri Lanka moved by the United States.

Sri Lankan fisheries ministry officials, however, could not indicate the number of Indian fishermen currently in detention.

Sri Lanka's relation with India had soured during the government led by Congress. Analysts here say Rajapaksa appears very keen to mend ties with his neighbour with the advent of Modi.

Rajapaksa orders release of all Indian fishermen​

 

[That Guy]

A good will gesture, very nice opening move; Let's see how India responds.

 

[StormShadow]

59 Indian prisoners released from Malir Jail in Karachi

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KARACHI: The government of Pakistan ahead of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to India has released 59 Indian prisoners from Malir Jail on Sunday morning here, Geo News reported.

Sources said that the freed prisoners would be taken in an air-conditioned bus from Karachi to Wagah border in Lahore.

The neighbors frequently arrest each other’s fishermen on charges of violating territorial waters.

Talking to Geo News, Indian released prisoners said that they treated well in the prison, no torture perpetrated and they were quite happy over their release.

Freed Indian prisoners will be handed over to Indian authorities along the Wahga border on Monday, officials said.

59 Indian prisoners released from Malir Jail in Karachi | PAKISTAN - geo.tv

 

[Tshering22]

Masterstroke by Modi ji.

Now what does that useless VAIKO and VIJAYKANTH and Jayalalitha have to say?

 

[shree835]

I never understand the reason behind holding fisherman ... This type of issue should be sorted out in 2-3 week time.

 

[Yeti]

Good gesture these fishermen are just normal people trying to feed their families and we lock them up! it is disgusting we should pass a law on this all countries India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka that would be a blessing for innocent people trying to make a living.

 

[timetravel]

I hope India releases their fishermen too. Actually there should be an agreement to not arrest these people at all. Just send them back after some little fine or one-two weeks in prison max.

 

[Tshering22]

Good gesture these fishermen are just normal people trying to feed their families and we lock them up! it is disgusting we should pass a law on this all countries India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka that would be a blessing for innocent people trying to make a living.

The concern is espionage. No one has it written on their face that they are spies. That's why they are arrested.

 

[madooxno9]

Ye log jab wapis aaye tho , koi please inhe samjhae ki "Bhai udhar kyu jaate ho 10 machli kaam pakdo ge tho kya maaout aa jaegi"

 

[livingdead]

The concern is espionage. No one has it written on their face that they are spies. That's why they are arrested.

they are captured in high seas not near coast. what are they spying on, fish?

 

[Tshering22]

they are captured in high seas not near coast. what are they spying on, fish?

Kasab also came in a fishing trawler.

When an intrusion happens in high seas, it is seen as something that is stopped.

The whole point is to stop suspects half way before they can make anything happen.

 

[PakEye]

Pakistan to release 151 Indian fishermen today Rajapaksa orders release of all Indian fishermen

First of All Nawaz and Modi sign an agreement on Fishermen Issue on Humanitarian grounds.

 

[livingdead]

Kasab also came in a fishing trawler.

When an intrusion happens in high seas, it is seen as something that is stopped.

The whole point is to stop suspects half way before they can make anything happen.

this mutual hostage taking has been going on for decades long before kasab captured a boat. most are innocents which is why they are released from both sides.

 

[Yeti]

The concern is espionage. No one has it written on their face that they are spies. That's why they are arrested.

That is a concern for sure smuggling and terrorism using the sea route

 

[Chak Bamu]

Unfortunate to see fishermen being traded like some sort of goodwill currency. There should be an agreement with minimum fuss and for no arbitrary detentions beyond a few weeks.