Two-Hour-Long Chase, A Failed Kidnapping Plot: How India Foiled Pakistan's Plan To Abduct Indian Fishermen: WATCH

Picture source: ANI

New Delhi: In a significant display of India's maritime vigilance, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully foiled an attempted abduction of Indian fishermen by Pakistan’s maritime forces in Indian waters. The operation, led by the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Agrim, prevented a high-stakes intrusion by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).

The Pakistani vessel, PMS Nusrat, had unlawfully detained seven Indian fishermen from the fishing boat Kaal Bhairav near the maritime boundary line between India and Pakistan. The swift response by the Indian Coast Guard not only thwarted the abduction but also reinforced India's commitment to safeguarding its territorial waters and the safety of its citizens.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) received a distress signal from an Indian fishing boat operating near the No-Fishing Zone (NFZ), according to an official release.  

The Coast Guard promptly responded by dispatching a vessel to the site near the India-Pakistan Maritime Boundary. ICGS Agrim aggressively pursued the Pakistani vessel in a tense two-hour chase. After retrieving all seven fishermen, the Coast Guard ship issued a stern warning to PMS Nusrat, that under no circumstances would it allow such abduction.

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@IndiaCoastGuard rescued 07 fishermen apprehended by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) near the #India #Pakistan maritime boundary on 17 Nov 24. #ICG swiftly responded to a distress call, intercepted PMSA, and ensured the safe return of the crew. #ICG remains committed to… pic.twitter.com/pP1GiTS8SC

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) November 18, 2024

According to a statement by the ICG, the fishermen were found to be "in stable medical condition" following their retrieval. However, the ICG confirmed that the Indian fishing boat Kal Bhairav, central to the incident, was "reported to have been damaged and sunk during the incident." 

"Indian Coast Guard ship Agrim deployed close to the maritime boundary line with Pakistan chased the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ship PMS Nusrat after a chase of around two hours and clearly told them that under no condition, it would allow the Pakistani ship to take away Indian fishermen from fishing boat Kaal Bhairav from Indian waters," defence officials told news agency ANI.  

Despite the PMSA ship's attempts to withdraw, the ICG vessel intercepted it and compelled its crew to release the Indian fishermen. 

(With agency inputs)