Indian fishermen died inside Pakistan jail due to a series of unfortunate circumstances over the last decade, sparking discussions about the treatment of fishermen who inadvertently cross international maritime borders.
The tragic deaths of 26 Indian fishermen in Pakistan’s custody over the past 10 years raise concerns about the conditions and handling of prisoners who are caught in this geopolitical struggle.
Most recently, the family of Suresh Nathu, one of the fishermen who died in Karachi prison on September 5, has been waiting for his mortal remains for over a month. This tragic delay adds to the already heavy grief the family has endured.
The case of Indian fishermen, who cross the maritime border unknowingly and end up imprisoned, is not new. Despite the Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access between India and Pakistan, which states that prisoners should be repatriated within a month of their national status being confirmed, there has been little action.
The peace activist and journalist, Jatin Desai, has brought this issue to light, revealing that many of these prisoners continue to languish in jail long after their sentences have been completed.
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The Unfortunate Fate of Indian Fishermen Died Inside Pakistan Jail
The issue of Indian fishermen died inside Pakistan jail due to imprisonment stems from the inadvertent crossing of the maritime boundary.
Fishermen from coastal regions, especially Gujarat and Maharashtra, often find themselves straying into Pakistani waters due to the lack of clear maritime demarcation. Once apprehended by the Pakistani authorities, they are charged with violating maritime boundaries and imprisoned.
In the last decade alone, 26 Indian fishermen lost their lives in Pakistan’s custody. This alarming figure reflects not only the prolonged detainment of these individuals but also the possible harsh conditions they face while in prison.
In March of this year, two fishermen, Vinod Laxman from Palghar district, Maharashtra, and Suresh Nathu, died in custody. While Laxman’s body was returned to his family after a considerable delay, Nathu’s family continues to await the repatriation of his mortal remains.
The delay in the repatriation process reflects deeper issues within the bilateral relationship. The families of these fishermen are not only grieving the loss of their loved ones but are also forced to endure a seemingly endless wait for their return, even in death. The impact of such delays is immeasurable, leaving families in limbo and adding emotional distress to an already tragic situation.
Bilateral Agreement and Its Challenges
The Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, signed in 2008 between India and Pakistan, was designed to ensure that prisoners are treated fairly and repatriated promptly.
Section (V) of this agreement clearly states that both governments must release and repatriate prisoners within one month of confirming their nationality and the completion of their sentences. This clause was meant to protect vulnerable individuals like fishermen who often get caught in international disputes.
However, the ground reality is far from what is outlined in the agreement. Desai’s RTI inquiry reveals that 180 Indian fishermen, whose national status has been verified and who have completed their sentences, remain in Pakistani jails. Some of these men have been imprisoned for over three years, with little hope of release in sight.
This stark violation of the agreement not only prolongs the suffering of these fishermen but also exacerbates the tensions between the two countries.
The delay in repatriation shows a lack of communication and cooperation between the authorities on both sides. The fact that these prisoners remain behind bars, despite fulfilling the conditions for release, raises questions about the effectiveness of the agreement and the mechanisms for enforcing it.
Urgent Need for Action
The issue of Indian fishermen died inside Pakistan jail is not merely a diplomatic matter; it is a humanitarian crisis that needs urgent resolution.
The number of Indian fishermen currently imprisoned in Pakistan stands at 210, many of whom are ill and in need of medical attention. Additionally, around 130 of these men have been in jail for over two years, despite having completed their sentences.
This ongoing situation demands immediate intervention from both governments to ensure that the terms of the Bilateral Agreement are honored.
Desai has repeatedly called for Pakistan to repatriate the mortal remains of fishermen like Suresh Nathu without further delay. The continued detention of fishermen who have completed their sentences and the failure to repatriate deceased prisoners reflects poorly on both nations’ commitment to human rights.
Moreover, the cases of Indian fishermen highlight the vulnerabilities of communities living along the coastal regions. These individuals, often from poor backgrounds, rely on fishing as their sole means of livelihood.
Their lack of awareness about international maritime boundaries and the absence of clear markers puts them at constant risk of imprisonment.
The governments of both India and Pakistan need to work together to create better safeguards for these fishermen, ensuring that they are not penalized for unintentional mistakes.
Indian Indian fishermen died inside Pakistan jail due to prolonged imprisonment and neglect is a stark reminder of the pressing need for both countries to uphold their diplomatic commitments.
The tragic deaths of 26 Indian fishermen over the last decade should serve as a wake-up call for both nations to prioritize human rights and ensure that innocent lives are not caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.
The families of these fishermen deserve closure and justice. They should not have to endure unnecessary delays in repatriating the bodies of their loved ones, nor should the fishermen who have served their sentences be forced to remain in prison.
The Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access must be respected and implemented fully to prevent further tragedies like these. it is essential for both India and Pakistan to work together to resolve this issue and ensure the safe return of all fishermen currently languishing in prison.
A coordinated effort to improve communication, implement the bilateral agreement, and safeguard the lives of fishermen will go a long way in restoring faith between the two nations and protecting vulnerable individuals from unnecessary harm.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏