Pakistan apprehends 26 Indian fishermen, seizes 4 boats off Gujarat coast

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Ahmedabad: The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) has apprehended 26 fishermen and seized four boats in the Arabian Sea off Jakhau coast, an official of the fishermen association said on Wednesday.     

Surprisingly, the development comes hours after the Indian government released 39 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 21 civil prisoners and 18 fishermen today. 

The prisoners were released after Pakistan confirmed their nationality.

"The Government of India attaches highest importance to addressing all humanitarian matters, including early release and repatriation of all eligible Pakistani civil prisoners and fishermen," the External Affairs Ministry said.

In December last year, the Pakistan government freed at least 217 Indian fishermen as part of a 'goodwill gesture'.

Meanwhile, Secretary of National Fishworkers' Forum, Manish Lodhari confirmed the report and said, "We have learnt from the fishermen sailing in the Arabian Sea that at least four boats have been seized by PMSA and 26 fishermen apprehended."

He said these fishermen were apprehended by the PMSA near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Three of the apprehended boats are from Okha, while one is from Porbandar, he said, adding that the fishermen had sailed off the coast for fishing some 5-6 days ago.

Before this, the PMSA had in the last week of January apprehended 36 fishermen and seized 6 boats off Gujarat coast.

Earlier, on February 2, the Border Security Force (BSF) had seized four abandoned Pakistani fishing boats near Sir Creek in Kutch district on the Indo-Pak border during an extensive search operation in that area.