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Title: Need to ensure early release of nine fishermen of Nagercoil taken custody in Pakistan.
SHRI A.V. BELLARMIN (NAGERCOIL): Sir, nine fishermen from my constituency are missing for the past six weeks. Now, they are reported to be in Pakistan jails for no fault of theirs. At times, fishermen as they travel in their fishing boats are drifted away far off due to strong wind and water currents. Now, the fishing boat `Priya”” carrying nine fishermen is missing from 10th February this year. It is learnt that Pakistan Navy has taken these innocent people into custody.
Sir, these unfortunate people languishing in Pakistani jails must be released at the earliest. Recurrences of incidents of this nature must come to an end. Hence, I urge upon the Ministry of External Affairs to take up with the Pakistani authorities and ensure the release of these unfortunate fishermen.