Pakistan detains 21 fishermen from Srikakulam

Srikakulam: As many as 21 fishermen from D Matsyalesam village in Etcherla mandal in Srikakulam district are understood to have been detained by Pakistan's coast guard on Wednesday but came to light on Thursday.

The fishermen from this district go on fishing expeditions up to Gujarat coast in the month of September every year and return in May or June the following year.

On Wednesday, one batch of fishermen from this district, while trying to catch fish off Gujarat coast, apparently strayed into Pakistan waters in Arabian sea.

Pakistan coast guard immediately detained them. On learning about the detention of fishermen, fishermen association leader in Srikakulam Moogi Gurumurthy, brought the plight of his colleagues to the notice of the local authorities and people's representatives.

Local MLA and minister for energy K Kala Venkata Rao explained the situation to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu who spoke to AP Bhavan officials at New Delhi to communicate to the Centre for ensuring quick and safe release of victims from Pakistan.

On receiving the information, the family members of the victims grew agitated over what would happen to them in Pakistan. Etcherla mandal TDP and YSRCP leaders rushed to D Matsyalesam village to console family members of the victims.