India releases 32 Pak fishermen

These fishermen from Pakistan have been in Joint Interrogation Centre for six months

Reciprocating Pakistan's gesture, India today released 32 Pakistani fishermen lodged in Kutch district and they were already on their way to Wagah border in Punjab to return to their country.

"These 32 fishermen from Pakistan have been in Joint Interrogation Centre for almost six months. They were captured while fishing inside the Indian maritime boundary and kept in Bhuj-based JIC. We have released them today. Our team has already left for Wagah border with these fishermen," Kutch-West Superintendent of Police Vidhi Chaudhari said.

The 32 fishermen will be handed over to Pakistan authorities at the Wagah border.

The release of the Pakistani fishermen comes close on the heels of release of 151 Indian fishermen before the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi.

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel had yesterday announced that officials of state fisheries department will arrive at Veraval tomorrow with the 151 fishermen who were handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah border by Pakistan.