Indian fisherman hurt in Pak firing

At least one fisherman from Gujarat was injured in firing on Thursday by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA), which captured 24 fishermen in all and seized four of their boats near International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) off Gujarat coast.

According to the Secretary of National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF) Manish Lodhari, the incident took place this afternoon off Jakhau coast in Gujarat. "We learnt from other fishermen that MSA personnel came on a boat and opened fire on some fishing boats near IMBL this afternoon. One fisherman has been injured in the firing. MSA also captured 24 fishermen including the one injured and also seized four of their boats and took them to Karachi port," said <g data-gr-id="25">Lodhari</g>.

"We are not <g data-gr-id="23">aware about</g> the status of the injured fisherman. More details would emerge after other fishermen arrive at the coast," he added.

This is the second incident of firing on Gujarat fishermen within one month. Earlier on September 18, one fisherman from Okha port was killed in the firing near IMBL.

Meanwhile, asked about the 24 fishermen, Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry Vikas Swarup said he was not aware of it but added if they have been caught, Indian Embassy will seek consular access to them. Swarup said that according to Pakistani authorities, 355 fishermen, believed to be Indians were in <g data-gr-id="28">custody</g> of Pakistan as of July, out of which 163 were released in August.

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajratan, patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), had received a distress call from an Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) regarding a firing incident on another IFB while fishing across the  IMBL, by PMSA.