68 fishermen arrested by Pakistan return to India

Attari (Amritsar),[India] Oct. 30 (ANI): 68 Indian fishermen, released yesterday by Pakistan as a goodwill gesture, returned to India through Attari border in Amritsar on Monday.

The fishermen, held for allegedly violating Pakistan territorial waters, were lodged in Karachi's Landhi jail.

A released fisherman Rafiq said he spent 10 years in the Pakistan jail and even though "there were not any difficulties and they were provided food at times, it was a prison in the end".

"The government should stop doing this. We are poor and commute there for our livelihood as we have no other source of income. I will continue the fishing business but will never step on this side," he said.

Another fisherman namely Shoaib revealed that there are still nearly 325 fishermen lodged in the Pakistan prison.

"All our belongings, including our boat, mobile, wallets were seized and never returned. I will resume my work on Mumbai shore but not here. There are still 316-325 fishermen locked up in the Landhi Jail in Karachi," he said. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI