196 Indian fishermen to be freed

By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD, JUNE 25. The Government of Pakistan has decided to release 196 Indian fishermen, along with their 32 boats, in its custody. They have been detained from time to time for straying into its territorial waters for unlawful fishing.

An official statement said the decision had been taken unilaterally step has been taken by the Government of Pakistan unilaterally on ``humanitarian grounds''. On June 7, Pakistan had released 157 Indian fishermen together with their 25 boats.

Till recently, there were 200 or so Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails. There are 229 Pakistani fishermen in Indian jails.

India released 160 fishermen in April last and another 63 more are expected to be released soon. Authorities on both sides have taken up the issue and some progress is expected in the weeks to come.

India and Pakistan had agreed, much before the November peace process was initiated, to review the cases of all fishermen detained and it was agreed to release all those detained against whom no charges could be substantiated and there is proof of their identity.

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