BSF probing ISI links of arrested Pak fishermen

Five Pakistani fishermen have been arrested after venturing into Indian waters from the Deveri Creek area in Kutch district by the Border Security Force, which is investigating if one of them, held earlier from the same spot, had any links with the Inter Services Intelligence.

"Five Pakistani fishermen were arrested from the Deveri Creek area on Sunday after a hard pursuit of over two hours," BSF officials said.

"One of the fishermen arrested is Mohammad Illiyas Themor, 42, from Kasimgoth village in Thatta district of Sindh province in Pakistan," they said.

"Illiyas is suspected to be involved with the ISI and his link is being investigated," BSF officials said, adding that he was earlier apprehended by them in 2003 from the same area.

"Detailed questioning of the fishermen is in progress," they added.

Four others arrested include Karim Baksh Themor, 12, Nazir Themor, 22, Shabir Themor, 23 and Mir Khan Themor, 30, all from Thatta district in Pakistan, BSF officials said.

"In view of the inputs about increased activities of Pakistan's ISI in the Creek area, BSF troops have been put on extra alert and four floating Border Out Posts are operating deep inside the Creek waters for enhanced surveillance round the clock," BSF officials said.

Earlier, on August 16, the BSF had apprehended nine Pakistani nationals, including six of the same family, from the West Coast Creek area.

 

In the Creek area on the west of Kutch district is situated Harami Nala, a sluggish and shallow water channel, spread over 500 sq km which has in the past witnessed intrusion from Pakistani fishermen.

 

The marshy topography of the area makes it difficult for BSF troops to react swiftly in case of infiltration.

 

Also, there is a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the Creek area.

 

The perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes had last year hijacked an Indian fishing boat 'Kuber' from near the Creek area before reaching the financial capital of India.

 

Many a time, Indian fishermen who venture into the Creek area in order to get good quantity of fish are apprehended by the Pakistan Marine Security Agency.

 

According to the National Fish Workers' Forum, there are over 500 Indian fishermen languishing in Pakistani jails, while over 400 Indian fishing boats have been seized by the Pakistan marine security agency.