[Reader-list] India, Pakistan fishermen demand end to arrests

[T Peter]

*India, Pakistan fishermen demand end to arrests*

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pakistan-fishermen-demand-end-to-arrests/article5490357.ece



*Resolve to intensify efforts for the release of colleagues*

Fishermen from India and Pakistan have resolved to intensify efforts for
the release of their colleagues and their boats following increase in
arrests by the Indian Coast Guard as well as Pakistan’s Maritime Security
Agency (MSA) after the monsoon trawl ban was lifted in September.

Around 229 fishermen and 800 boats are in Pakistan’s custody while around
200 Pakistani fishermen and 150 boats are in Indian custody, according to
the India-based National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) and the Pakistan India
People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy. As part of these efforts, Pakistani
fishermen will move their Supreme Court for the release of all fishermen
and their boats. A similar case is being argued at the Supreme Court here.
Over the last two days, fishermen from Gujarat had met Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Agriculture
Minister Sharad Pawar seeking a ‘no-arrest’ policy by both countries.

At a one-day consultation with experts here on Sunday, fishermen from both
countries sought a Maritime Economic Co-operation Agreement, an end to the
unwanted violence and arrests in the Arabian Sea and resolution of the Sir
Creek dispute. Present at the consultations was the family of Naranbhai
Sosa, shot dead on the high seas allegedly by Pakistan MSA, a charge
Islamabad denies. Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) president Karamat Ali
condemned his killing and demanded an immediate meeting of the Pakistan MSA
and Indian Coast Guard to observe humane rules for dealing with
fisher-people who might have transgressed the international maritime
boundary line.

NFF Chairman M ILango wanted the Indian fishing community to support those
forces in the coming elections that support the demands expressed at the
consultations. Pakistani labour expert J John argued that the issue should
be seen from the point of view of traditional and customary rights of
fisherfolk that precede the partition of India and Pakistan. The
consultations were also attended by Kuldip Nayar, Tapan Bose, Jatin Desai,
Jivan Jungi, Bharat Mody, Hansa Suyani, Gautam Mody, Narendra R Patil,
Ashok Choudhary, T. Peter and Olencio Simoes.

Visit : http://www.nffindia.org