Karachi: Ten Indian fishermen have been arrested by Pakistani maritime authorities for illegally fishing in the country's waters, officials said today. The fishermen were detained along with two boats by the Maritime Security Agency about 90 nautical miles from the coast on Thursday night. They were handed over to police after being brought ashore yesterday.

The fishermen, charged with illegally fishing in Pakistani waters, would be produced in court for obtaining their remand, officials said. The fishermen were identified as Dharminder, Laxman, Ramesh, Kalu, Bharat, Dodu, Babu, Devji, Ramesh and Laxman. One of the two seized boats is named "New Laxman".

This was the third group of Indian fishermen arrested in Pakistani waters this month. Five fishermen were apprehended on January 14 while six more were arrested on January 16. India and Pakistan arrest scores of fishermen every year for illegally fishing in each other's waters. They have recently initiated steps for the speedy release of fishermen, who often languish in jail for months.

Source : PTI