India, Pakistan agrees for instituting standard procedure to secure immediate repatriation of fishermen

New Delhi, May 29: In a bid to secure immediate release and repatriation of fishermen who inadvertently cross the international maritime boundary, the Indian Authorities on Monday conveyed to Pakistan the need for instituting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

 

Notably, the Coast Guards of India and Pakistan met in New Delhi on Monday during which all the issues pertaining to boundary violations by fishermen and enhancing cooperation in the area of maritime search and rescue, and combating pollution at sea were discussed.

The four-member delegation of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) led by its Director General Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman along with other officials participated in the meeting with Indian authorities.

During this high-level meet, the Indian authorities emphasized on the institution of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for immediate release and repatriation of fishermen who inadvertently cross the international maritime boundary.

Coast Guard Director General Rajendra Singh in a statement said, "A lot of focus of the meeting was on fishermen." "During the meeting, the Indian side reiterated the need for instituting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for immediate release and repatriation of the fishermen who cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) inadvertently as the issue needs to be approached in the humanitarian context," he added.

He said, “Further, expeditious exchange of information about the apprehension of fishing boats and fishermen by both sides was also recognized to ensure the safety of the fisherfolks.” "Focus of the talks was also on cooperation in the area of search and rescue operations and cooperation in the field of (maritime) pollution," the Coast Guard Director General concluded.

Importantly, the two service heads from Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan MSA also have a hotline link between them for regular exchange of information on non-military maritime issues as per the MoU between the two governments.

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) keeps arresting Indian fishermen on the charges of poaching in Pakistani waters. In February this year, the Pakistani forces arrested 42 fishermen from Gujarat and seized their eight boats.

Earlier in January, the PMSA had arrested 17 fishermen for allegedly fishing illegally in Pakistan’s territorial waters. However, last year, Pakistan released 292 Indian fishermen in a goodwill gesture. The PMSA had also apprehended about 400 fishermen and seized around 65 of their boats last year.