58 Indian fishermen arrested in Pakistan

New Delhi, Dec 11: At least 58 Indian fishermen were arrested on Thursday by Pakistani authorities for allegedly violating the country's maritime boundary.

Security forces also confiscated about 10 boats from them, Express Tribune reported. Both Indian and Pakistani fishermen are frequently arrested and detained for fishing in each others waters, as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined.

On November 29, Pakistan released 36 Indian fishermen from Karachi's Malir district jail after they completed their sentence.

According to Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) - a representative body of fishermen - at least 423 Indian fishermen are in Pakistani jails and nearly 400 Pakistani fishermen are in Indian jails for many years.

Earlier, the Sri Lankan navy detained 27 fishermen from Tamil Nadu on charges of poaching. However they were soon let off after a warning.

PTI