Save sailors mission: India, Pakistan start war again

New Delhi, Jun 18: India and Pakistan once again have engaged in a war of words, but this time the fight began over escorting MV Suez, an Egyptian-owned ship in which Pakistani and Indian citizens were captured by Somali pirates.

Pakistani government officials have lodged a complaint to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Pakistan has accused Indian warship INS Godavari of brushing Pakistani warship PNS Babur while escorting MV Suez.

The complaint says, "(INS Godavari) not only hampered humanitarian operations being carried out by Pakistan Navy Ship Babur for Merchant Vessel Suez but also undertook dangerous manoeuvres, which resulted in the brushing of the sides" of the two warships.

"This incident constitutes a serious violation of international regulations pertaining to safe conduct at high seas and of the India-Pakistan Agreement of 1991 on Advance Notice of Military Exercise Manoeuvres and Troop Movements," the complaint added.

However, no official reactions have come from the Indian government and Indian navy, though, sources informed that India has dismissed all allegations imposed by its neighbouring nation.

The sailors, who were captured on board of the MV Suez, had been released by the pirates after paying a huge ransom - 2 million dollars by Pakistani human rights activist, Ansar Burney. Pakistan Navy's warship Babur, also escorted MV Suez to reach Salalah port in Oman, from where the sailors would board a flight home.

After the initiatives by Pakistani side, Indian navy on Jun 16 sent its warship INS Godavari, but surprisingly pulled out the warship shortly claiming that Suez refused contact them. However, sailors on MV Suez claimed that INS Godavari did not make any contact with them.

Pakistan and India were supposed to raise $500,000 and $60,000 respectively, whereas the Egyptian shipping company was said to give $1million. Despite of setting a deadline, India had failed to fulfill its promise. Sri Lankan and Egyptian citizens were also there among the captured in MV Suez with Indian and Pakistani citizens.

OneIndia News