101 Indian prisoners released by Pakistan cross Wagah Border

Wagah Border (Amritsar), Nov 27 : A group of 101 Indian prisoners released by Pakistan as a goodwill gesture crossed over to their homeland on Wednesday. akistan released 101 prisoners including 99 Indian fishermen prisons on Tuesday ahead of a meeting between the interior secretaries of the two countries.

The fishermen were arrested in a period ranging between two to six years while the two other Indian citizens were in prison for longer time.

"We are going home so we are really happy. The moment we stepped on our nation's land we were really glad," said Manoj, a released prisoner.

The fishermen appealed to the authorities concerned to take steps to release those prisoners languishing in both the countries.

"We were catching fish. We ourselves were not aware in water that we have crossed the border. There are many other Indian prisoners in Pakistan and similarly Pakistani prisoners in India and they should also be released. We are feeling very happy now as we are going home," said Shashi, another fisherman.

India released a 15-year-old Pakistan boy Nasir Sultan on Friday who had illegally crossed over to India to meet Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan, after nearly three months of detention.

The two countries have exchanged hundreds of prisoners since launching new peace moves four years ago after coming close to another war over their long running dispute over Kashmir.

ANI