The Hindu : National : Indian fishermen not released as expected

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Saturday, Jul 01, 2006

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National

Indian fishermen not released as expected

Diplomatic Correspondent

While Pakistan released 19 Indian civilian prisoners on Friday, India freed 38 civilian prisoners via Wagah

NEW DELHI: India expressed disappointment on Friday that none of the 240 fishermen, whose national status had been confirmed earlier, was released as scheduled, despite an understanding reached between the Home Secretary of India and the Interior Secretary of Pakistan.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesman said Pakistani authorities had informed New Delhi that 20 fishermen were to reach the Wagah border on Friday, but could not do so as their vehicle broke down en route. "While we await their [20 fishermens'] return, we would like to reiterate that all 240 Indian fishermen should be released in accordance with the understanding reached on May 31, 2006," he said.

While Pakistan released 19 Indian civilian prisoners on Friday, India freed 38 civilian prisoners via the Wagah border. "The remaining civilian prisoners, whose national status was confirmed by Pakistan, are either under trial or have not completed their sentences. India had released 59 Pakistani fishermen in its custody on May 29, 2006."

"There are 30 Pakistani fishermen, who were arrested in the first week of June, currently in Indian custody. We will provide consular access to them on July 13, 2006, in terms of the understanding arrived at during the Home Secretary-level talks. India has scheduled consular access to the remaining Pakistani civilian prisoners on dates ranging from July 10 to 28, 2006," the spokesman added.

India was also awaiting consular access to its 118 civilian prisoners and 192 fishermen and hoped that Pakistan would facilitate this by July 31, in keeping with the understanding.

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