Pakistani boat apprehended near Harami Nala

"A Pakistani boat with fishermen and fishing equipment was trying to cross the International Maritime Boundary towards the Indian area near Harami Nala close to the Sir Creek area," a Gujarat-based BSF official told PTI.

"When we tried to chase them down, the fishermen fled leaving behind the boat. Their boat has been apprehended and fishing equipment, which includes a fishing net and other items, have been recovered," the official said, adding that search operations were on.

Further details were awaited, the official said.

Harami Nala is a marshy, sluggish and shallow water channel, spread over 500 sq km on the India-Pakistan border here, which has in the past witnessed many intrusions from Pakistani fishermen. The marshy topography makes it difficult for troops to react swiftly against infiltration.

Both India and Pakistan are engaged in a political battle over this area, which may be rich in oil and gas, and the brackish water which makes for good fishing grounds.