Daijiworld Media Network - Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, Dec 24: Families of 197 Gujarat fishermen, allegedly held in Pakistani jails for the past six years, staged a protest at the state secretariat on Monday, urging immediate government action, diplomatic intervention, and a clear timeline for their release.

The families, hailing from the coastal regions of Somnath, Junagadh, Una, Kodinar, Diu, and surrounding areas, travelled over 1,000 km to submit a memorandum seeking the Prime Minister’s intervention.

They stated that the fishermen were apprehended after their boats reportedly lost direction due to rough weather, inadvertently crossing the international maritime boundary during routine fishing operations. Following this, they were detained by Pakistan’s maritime security authorities.

“In several instances, fishermen inadvertently cross maritime boundaries due to weather disturbances or navigational issues. Once detained by Pakistan authorities, the matter shifts to diplomatic channels, which often delays repatriation,” said a coastal police officer on condition of anonymity.

Expressing the anguish of the families, Leelaben from Paldi village said, “Poor people like us are heard only during elections,” highlighting the prolonged distress faced by the fishermen and their relatives.