8 fishermen from Andhra Pradesh detained by Pakistan

Of the total of 22 fishermen who have been detained by the Pakistan Marine Security Agency, at least 8 were from the Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts in Andhra Pradesh. The fishermen, hired by a Gujarati fishing company, got detained near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea.

Reportedly, they had accidentally crossed the International waters and strayed into Pakistan territorial waters near Gujarat, where their boats were surrounded and took into custody. They have reportedly been taken to Karachi.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, has spoken to the resident commissioner in Delhi, Arja Srikanth, and asked him to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for early release of the fishermen belonging to the state.

Also, Srikakulam district officials have reached out to the families of the detained fishermen and have assured them full help and support for the release of those apprehended.

Each year, fishermen from the coastal parts of Andhra Pradesh visit Gujarat in September and return home in March.