Vadodara, Oct 09: The release of 74 indian fishermen languishing in Pakistani jails has been further delayed as Pakistan government has made it conditional on the release of 93 Pakistani fishermen in Indian jails. Pakistan government has insisted that Pakistani fishermen in jails in Porbandar, Junagadh and Bhuj in Gujarat and their nine boats seized by Indian authorities be also released, the leader of Indian fishermen's delegation, Veljibhai Masani, who visited Pakistan to discuss the issue, said on his return.
Speaking by phone from Mangrol, he said it is because of this condition that the departure of 74 Indian fishermen along with their 23 boats could not take place on September 24, although it was cleared by the Pakistan Marine Security Agency pending approval from the Pakistan government which however did not "okay" it, he said. Pakistan had released 269 Indian fishermen along with 30 boats on September 24.
The Pakistan interior ministry officials and fisheries minister of Sindh province told Masani, when he met them to discuss the issue, to ensure the release of Pakistani fishermen.
Masani said Indian government two months ago agreed to a proposal of releasing 93 Pakistani fishermen and what is required is speeding up the process at state government level. Masani today discussed the issue with state government officials and requested them to speed up the formalities. Bureau Report