Srikakulam: Wait for fishermen continues

Srikakulam: Even after one year, there is no specific safety of fishermen detained in Pakistan. A total of 22 fishermen from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts were detained by Pakistan marine forces on November 27 last year on charges that they crossed the border in Arabian Sea. The detained

fishermen hailed from D Matsyalesam, K D.Palem, K Matsyalesam, Badivanipeta, Tippalavalasa, Pusapatirega in two districts. The family members of the fishermen are worried over the safety of their kin. Local elders, fishermen union leaders met the then Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, Susma Swaraj, MP Vijayasai Reddy, pleading for their intervention for release of the fishermen.

During the padayatra the fishermen families met Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy at Rajam and explained to him about the detention of the fishermen. He also assured them of help.

After general elections, the fishermen families urged local ministers, MPs, MLAs and sought their help. During TDP rule, the leaders promised to pay Rs one lakh to each family of detained fishermen. The YSRCP leaders

promised to take measures for the welfare of family members of the detained fishermen. But no help has so far reached the families.

"I gave birth to second daughter after detention of my husband G RamaRao and he is unaware of it," G Nuka Ratnam said.