Indian, Pak Coast Guards discuss fishermen's release issue

New Delhi: The coastal security agencies of India and Pakistan met here for the first time today to evolve a mechanism for early release of fishermen languishing in each others’ jails. “The India-Pakistan Joint Working Group Meeting for working out a mechanism for release of fishermen and their boats who cross maritime borders inadvertently was held here today,” the Defence Ministry said in a release. [caption id=“attachment_376112” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  AFP[/caption] The Indian delegation was headed by Coast Guard Director General Vice Admiral M P Muralidharan while the Pakistan side was led by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) chief Rear Admiral Waseem Akram. The meeting was held in pursuance of the decisions taken during India-Pakistan Home Secretary-level talks held in March last year when the two sides had agreed “to task the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and PMSA to work on setting up a mechanism for release of fishermen and their boats who cross maritime borders inadvertently.” “During the meeting, the group held preliminary discussions on the issue and recognised the need for addressing the humanitarian aspect of inadvertent crossing of maritime borders by legitimate fishermen,” they said. The Defence Ministry said the “discussions were fruitful in mutual exchange of ideas and deliberating way ahead in evolving a suitable mechanism for release of such fishermen and their boats.” “It was also acknowledged that focused approach and sustained efforts of the group needs to be continued,” it stated. PTI