Vadodara: Eighty Indian fishermen, who were released from a jail in Karachi, Pakistan, arrived in Vadodara, Gujarat, by train on Sunday. Subsequently, they were transported to Veraval in Gir Somnath district, Gujarat, by bus. The release was facilitated by Pakistani authorities on Thursday, and the fishermen were handed over to the state’s fisheries department team at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab the following day.
Diwali Reunion:
The fishermen, who left the Gujarat coast at various intervals in 2020, were held by Pakistan’s maritime forces for allegedly fishing in Pakistani waters. With their release, they have been able to reunite with their families just in time for Diwali celebrations. The joyful reunion marks a significant moment for the freed fishermen and their loved ones.
Distribution Across Regions:
Out of the 80 released fishermen, 59 hail from Gir Somnath district, 15 from Devbhoomi Dwarka, two from Jamnagar, and one from Amreli, all located in Gujarat. Additionally, three fishermen are from the Union Territory of Diu, according to an official release.
Prolonged Detentions:
These fishermen were apprehended in 2020, and while 80 have now been released, approximately 200 Indian fishermen remain in Pakistani jails. The return of the released individuals allows them to partake in Diwali festivities with their families, emphasizing the significance of their homecoming.
Previous Releases:
This release follows a pattern of goodwill gestures, as the Pakistan government had earlier released nearly 400 Indian fishermen in May and June of this year. The ongoing efforts to release detained fishermen contribute to fostering amicable relations between India and Pakistan.
The heartening reunion of the released fishermen with their families for Diwali exemplifies the significance of such humanitarian gestures in fostering goodwill and bridging ties between neighboring countries. As the Diwali celebrations unfold, these families can embrace the joyous occasion with the return of their loved ones.
