Pakistani fishermen freed from Indian jails return home

PAKISTAN: India released 59 Pakistani fishermen who had been arrested for illegal entry and fishing in its waters in the Arabian Sea, a Pakistani official said.

Some of the former prisoners chanted "Long live Pakistan" as they walked into the country at Wagah, the main border crossing with India, near the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, said Maj. Fayyaz Haider, an official with the Pakistan Rangers border security force.

The Pakistanis, between 16 and 50 years old, had been held in various Indian jails for periods ranging from eight months to two years, he said.

The men were from the southern city of Karachi, Pakistan's main port on the Arabian Sea, and will be allowed to go home after questioning by intelligence officials, he said. On Tuesday, Pakistan will send home 71 Indian fishermen.

India and Pakistan share a history of bitter relations and commonly arrest each other's fishermen or border villagers on allegations of illegal entry or spying. Many are held for years before being released, often without having faced court trials.

Monday's repatriation of the fishermen came a day before senior Interior Ministry officials from India and Pakistan begin a two-day meeting to discuss cooperation in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking across the two countries' common border.

Releasing each other's civilian prisoners will also likely figure in Tuesday's talks in the capital Islamabad.

India's Home Secretary V. K. Duggal, who will lead the Indian side at Tuesday's meeting, said that he hoped the discussions with Pakistani officials would be cordial.

"I am more than certain that the talks will be held in a very good atmosphere, friendly and in an atmosphere of understanding," Duggtal told reporters late Monday.

Lahore, Tuesday, AP