1,250 Indian fishermen arrested by Pakistan in last two years

Gandhinagar, Mar 2: Gujarat Fisheries Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama today informed the Legislative Assembly that Pakistani Coast Guards have arrested at least 1,250 Indian fishermen, in the last two years while they were fishing on high seas.

Of these 1,250 fishermen, 925 have been released by the Pakistani authorities. However, 324 Indian fishermen are still in different jails of Pakistan, Mr Chudasama said.

The minister was replying to a query raised by BJP MLA Dhirubhai Gajera during the question hour session of the House.

In response to a supplementary question, the Minister said the Pakistani authorities have not returned the boats, nets and other equipment of the fishermen.

He further said the State government has asked the Union Government to take up the matter with Pakistani High Commission through External Affairs Ministry, for the early release of the remaining fishermen.

In reply to another question, Mr Chudasama informed the House that the State government is giving a compensation of Rs 50,000 each to the families of the fishermen who had died during cyclone.

UNI