Assam’s fisherman Simanta likely to be released by Pakistan

Assam's fisherman, Simanta Saikia, who was arrested by the Pakistan Maritime Security Forces on November 28, 2018, is likely to be released. According to sources, Simanta along with 20 other fishermen from India is likely to be released by the Pakistani authorities on January 6.

Simantahails from Assam's Merapani area and he along with 20 other fishermen fromIndia were arrested for allegedly straying into Pakistan's territorial waters.

Theywere working as anglers in a Gujarat based company. In an attempt to hunt fish,the fishermen crossed the border and entered into Pakistan waters in theArabian Sea.

The family had sought Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal's help for his release from a Pakistan jail. The Assam government, in turn, approached the external affairs ministry.

Itmay be mentioned here that fishermen from both countries are frequentlyarrested for straying into each other's territorial waters while fishing alongthe Sir Creek area of Gujarat in the Arabian sea. Also, many young boys fromAssam work in Gujarat as migrant workers.