External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that there are a total of 301 Indian fishermen in the custody of Pakistan. But Islamabad confirmed custody of only 77 fishermen so far. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Sushma Swaraj had said that 1261 fishermen have been returned to India from Pakistan since 2014. Of this 1261 fisherman, Swaraj had said that 438 members were repatriated in the last three months.
She said, “As per available information, presently there are 301 Indian fishermen in Pakistan’s custody. However, Pakistan has confirmed custody of only 77 fishermen.” She also said that uncountable arrests happen on the international waters.
The minister said, “In this context, under the Community Interaction Programme, regular awareness campaigns are conducted by the Indian Coast Guards in coordination with the State Fisheries Department, to educate the fishermen about the limits of the International Maritime Boundary Line.”
Many of the Rajya Sabha members demanded an in depth discussion about the issue, to which Swaraj obliged and said that she will answer all the queries after Rajya Sabha Chairman allows time for it.
