M A I N   N E W S

256 fishermen return from Pakistan

Vadodara, September 7
India and Pakistan have pressed into service an aircraft and a ship to locate 12 missing fishermen and a “khalasi” who were on their way in two boats to the Okha port in Gujarat from Karachi after their release from Pakistani jails.

The Deputy Director of the Gujarat Fisheries Department, Mr H.D. Dave, said the remaining 256 fishermen released by the Pakistani authorities had reached Gujarat safely.

He said he had earlier stated that 14 fishermen and a “khalasi” were missing but after verification of passports of all those who came, it was found that the total number of missing persons stood at 13. He said the state Fisheries Department had urged the Indian High Commission in Pakistan to pressure the authorities concerned there to help in tracing the missing boats.

The Sub-Inspector at the Okha police station said, “Indian Coast Guards are searching for the boats while Indian Air Force planes are doing aerial reconnaissance. A Pakistani aircraft too is engaged for the same purpose”. The fishermen said during their last communication, the missing men were eight nautical miles behind them. — PTI