Ahmedabad39 minutes agoAuthor: Aziz Cutleriwala
An issue that once helped Narendra Modi build his image as Gujarat’s strong voice against Pakistan, as he frequently advocated for the rights of fishermen, has returned to him as Prime Minister, with 198 Indian fisherpeople currently imprisoned in the neighbouring country.
Fishermen’s families and rights groups are now demanding their immediate release and repatriation, particularly of those who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been verified.
Family members of the fishermen seek repatriation
198 remain in Pakistani prisons
As per activists Jatin Desai and Usmangani Sherasiya, of the 198 Indian fisherpeople in Pakistani custody, 10 completed their sentences in 2021, 136 in 2022, 10 in 2023 and 22 in 2024, but remain imprisoned.
The activists say four to five Indian fisherpeople die in Pakistani prisons every year. One Indian fisherperson died by suicide in custody last March.
Families accompanied by the activists place their demands
The fishermen operate around the poorly demarcated maritime boundary near Jakhau and Sir Creek. Their families face prolonged financial and emotional distress, while their mechanised boats are often confiscated and not returned even after the fishermen are repatriated.
As both the countries mark their respective 80th Independence Days in this week, the families urge both Governments to ensure the immediate release and repatriation.
When imprisoned fishermen became Modi’s issue
As Gujarat Chief Minister, Modi repeatedly attacked the Congress-led UPA government over such arrests, accusing it of a “lethargic policy” and failing to protect Gujarati fishermen. He repeatedly demanded “decisive action” against Pakistan and a “befitting reply” for the treatment of Indian fishermen.
In an appeal, citing the case of a 12-year-old girl whose father died in a Pakistani jail, Modi said: “I urge the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to bring her father’s dead body back.”
Gujarat’s fisherfolks became a prime concern for Modi (representative image)
A senior political analyst based in Rajkot described that the fishermen’s plight, alongside cross-border infiltration, became part of Modi’s larger argument for stronger coastal security. His demand gained further resonance after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks exposed vulnerabilities along India’s maritime borders.
From political weapon to PM’s test
After Modi’s 2014 electoral victory, Pakistan released 151 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture ahead of his swearing-in.
Now, activists say the same issue requires action from the government Modi leads. They cite the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, which requires release and repatriation within one month after nationality confirmation and sentence completion.
The issue that once helped propel Modi’s national political rise has come full circle — placing the responsibility for resolving it squarely with the Prime Minister.
