Palghar, Maharashtra: The Pakistan government has detained 18 tribal fishermen from Palghar district who inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory while fishing. Despite proving their Indian nationality, these fishermen have remained in Pakistani custody for the past two to two and a half years. Their families are suffering severe hardships, including hunger. In light of this, a demand is being made for the Maharashtra state government to make special efforts to secure their release.

Peace Activist Urges Maharashtra Fisheries Minister To Take Action

Senior journalist and peace activist, Jatin Desai, has urged Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane to take action for the release of these fishermen. The 18 fishermen, hailing from the Dahanu and Talasari areas of Palghar district, completed their sentence in 2022. According to an agreement between India and Pakistan, individuals whose nationality is proven should be released to their country of origin. However, despite verification of their nationality, Pakistan has not yet released these fishermen. They were expected to be freed within a month after completing their sentences.

In line with Gujarat’s policy, the Maharashtra government had agreed to provide Rs. 300 per day as financial assistance to families of fishermen in Pakistani jails. This assistance was announced through an order issued on August 2, 2023. However, due to an error in the order, Desai claims that no family has yet received any assistance. Furthermore, Desai has called for similar financial aid to be given to the families of fishermen who were released in May-June 2023. He also urged the Maharashtra government to continuously follow up with the central government to ensure that the 18 fishermen from the state are brought home as soon as possible.

About The Situation In Pakistan

During their imprisonment in Pakistan, Vinod Kol, a fisherman from Dahanu taluka, passed away in a Pakistani jail. Recently, a fisherman from Gujarat also died due to health complications, despite having completed his sentence. Reports have indicated that the condition of many Indian fishermen in Pakistani prisons is critical. Desai previously demanded that an Indian medical team be sent to examine the prisoners.

Most of the fishermen held in Pakistani prisons are from the Palghar district. These fishermen, working on fishing boats in Gujarat, were detained by Pakistani security forces after they accidentally crossed the border while fishing. Initially, 30 fishermen from Maharashtra were imprisoned in Pakistan. Of these, 11 were released in two phases, while one fisherman died in custody. Now, 18 fishermen remain incarcerated.

At least 26 Indian fishermen have died in Pakistan custody in 10 years after being apprehended for allegedly violating the country’s territorial waters. Fishermen's organizations and the families of the imprisoned men are questioning why Pakistan has not released them, even after their nationality has been confirmed.