47 Indian fishermen captured by Pakistan; 8 boats seized

Ahmedabad, Apr 17: The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) has apprehended 47 fishermen and seized eight of their boats near the International Maritime Boundary, an office-bearer of National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) said.

"47 fishermen and their eight boats were captured late last night by the MSA," Porbandar-based General Secretary of NFF, Manish Lodhari, said.

Of the eight boats, five belonged to Porbandar, while three others had ventured into the sea from Okha harbour in Devbhumi Dwarka district, he added.

"We came to know that the Pakistani agency took them from near Jakhau port late last night to Karachi port," Lodhari said.

According to him, the fishermen on board three other boats who were part of the group, narrated the incident after they managed to escape and return to the Gujarat coast.

"The fishermen, who managed to escape, today told us that the MSA officers fired several rounds in the air to spread panic among the fishermen, so that they don't try to escape and stay on their boats," Lodhari claimed.

He alleged that Pakistan has increased the attacks on Indian fishermen over the last six months.

"Such incidents have become common now. Within last six months, they have captured about 75 boats and about 400 fishermen," Lodhari said.

PTI