Efforts underway for release of 14 fishermen from Pakistan

Chennai: Efforts were on to secure the early release and repatriation of the 14 Indian fishermen, seven of them from Tamil Nadu, who have been lauguishing in a Pakistani jail since January, Union External Affairs Minister S jaishankar informed Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday.

Referring to the Chief Minister’s letter dated November 20 demanding swift diplomatic efforts to release the 14 fishermen, Jaishankar said, ’The matter was taken up with the Government of Pakistan. Consular access has been sought for the fishermen, which is yet to be provided by Pakistan.’

Jaishankar said, the Union Government was aware of the detention of the 14 fishermen, along with their boats ‘Shri Vraj Bhumi’ (Reg.No.IND-GJ-25-MM-3458) and ‘Mandeep’ (Reg.No.IND-GJ-25-MM-1582), by the Pakistani authorities on January 3.

‘Our High Commission in Islamabad continues to seek early consular access for the 14 fishermen and has requested Pakistan to ensure their safety, security and well-being until they are repatriated to India,’ he said, adding that the High Commission would continue to follow up the matter and make all necessary efforts for their early release and repatriation.