14 Pakistani fishermen arrested by Indian security forces
Pakistan Times Foreign Desk Report

NEW DELHI (India): Fourteen Pakistani fishermen were arrested by the Indian border security forces from the Sir Creek channel near the western Gujarat state, it was reported on Sunday.

“Fourteen Pakistani fishermen were arrested and two of their boats seized last evening from Sir Creek area of Kutch district,” border security officials told PTI news agency.

The dispute over the Sir Creek area is the only maritime boundary issue between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.

Many fishermen from either side stray into each country’s territorial waters leading to their arrest.

Both countries are trying to resolve the Sir Creek dispute, along with seven other issues that bedevil bilateral relations, in an effort to establish friendly ties.

India and Pakistan recently announced they will release on September 12 all fishermen and civilian prisoners who had completed their sentences.●