34 Indian fishermen arrested for straying into Pakistan waters

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency has arrested 34 Indian fishermen for allegedly straying into the country's territorial waters, officials said. A maritime security spokesman said the arrests were made on Tuesday, during which six boats were also seized.

The fishermen have been handed over to the local dock police, the spokesman said:

"They will appear before a judicial magistrate, who will decide on their judicial remand," he said.

This is the first time since January that the maritime security agency has arrested Indian fishermen. In January, five Gujarati boatmen were arrested and jailed.

Last month, the Pakistan government had released more than 250 Indian fishermen from the Landhi and Malir jails in Karachi. The fishermen were released in three phases. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry had earlier announced 360 Indian fishermen would be released in four separate batches in April as a goodwill gesture.

Indian and Pakistani fishermen often get arrested in foreign waters due to lack of technology and indistinct maritime boundaries.

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Earlier, five Indian sailors, posted in Nigeria, were "abducted" by pirates, confirmed External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. She had also asked Indian Ambassador in Nigeria, Abhay Thakur, to "take the matter" with the Government of Nigeria to ensure an immediate release of sailors.

"I have seen news reports about abduction of five Indian sailors by pirates in Nigeria," tweeted Swaraj on Monday. She further added, "I am asking Indian High Commissioner to take this up at the highest level with Government of Nigeria for their release."

This comes days after Indian media reported that pirates had abducted five Indian sailors last month and took their ship MT Apecus in Bonny Outer anchorage in Nigeria.