22 Andhra Pradesh fishermen captured by Pak in 2018 to be released this week

Manglore Today News Network

Hyderabad, Jan 03, 2020:  The Andhra Pradesh government sources on Friday confirmed that 22 fishermen held captive by Pakistan on charges of espionage would be freed on January 6.

 

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency off the Gujarat coast had arrested 22 fishermen who hailed from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of north Andhra Pradesh in November 2018. The fishermen had ventured into the sea for fishing.

The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the High Commission of India in Islamabad that Pakistan has decided to release and repatriate the fishermen to India via the Wagah border on January 6.

The 22 fishermen from Andhra Pradesh are from among the total 483 Indian fishermen captured by Pakistan.

YSR Congress MP, Vijyasai Reddy, along with the family members of the 22 captured fishermen from Andhra Pradesh had in 2018 met the then external affairs minister, Sushma Swaraj, on this issue. They were assured by Sushma Swaraj that she will try to get the 22 fishermen released through diplomatic channels.

Courtesy: India Today