NEW DELHI: India government has asked Pakistan government to release and repatriate 631 Indian fishermen and 2 civilian prisoners who have fulfilled their jail-term and whose nationality has been confirmed.
The remaining 30 fishermen and 22 civilian inmates who have been held by Pakistan and are thought to be Indian citizens have also been asked to receive quick consular access, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
India made the request as part of a 2008 agreement that set up a routine for the two nations to exchange lists of civilian detainees and fishermen on January 1 and July 1 of each calendar year.
The External ministry said Pakistan has been requested to ensure the “safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India”
The MEA said, India released lists of the 339 civilian prisoners from Pakistan and the 95 fishermen who are now being held in Indian custody. According to a statement from MEA, India and Pakistan yesterday exchanged lists of the civilian detainees and fishermen they were holding through diplomatic channels at New Delhi and Islamabad at the same time. According to the report, the government has demanded the immediate release from Pakistani custody of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen and their boats.
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