Three West Bengal Fishermen Remain in Pakistani Custody for Two Years
Three fishermen from Namkhana in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district have been detained in a Pakistani jail for the past two years, following an incident where their fishing boat allegedly crossed into Pakistan's maritime territory off the Gujarat coast. Their families, who have been struggling for information and assistance, recently brought the matter to public attention after reporting it to local political representatives.
Political Intervention and Family Appeals
Mathurapur MP Bapi Haldar, along with Kakdwip MLA Manturam Pakhira, visited the affected families on Wednesday to offer support and assurance. Haldar confirmed that he has informed MP Abhishek Banerjee about the situation, who has subsequently taken up the matter with the Gujarat fisheries minister to facilitate diplomatic efforts for the fishermen's release.
The families of the detained fishermen—Kashinath Mondal, Tapan Mahapatra, and Dilip Bag—have expressed frustration over the lack of concrete intervention from authorities. Parbati, wife of Kashinath Mondal, emphasized, "It has been years without any substantial action. Earlier intervention might have changed the outcome."
Details of the Incident and Communication
According to family accounts, the three fishermen initially traveled from Bengal to Kerala before moving to Gujarat in late 2023 to work on trawlers. In early 2024, their vessel allegedly strayed across India's maritime boundary into Pakistani waters, leading to their detention by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.
For several months, the families were unaware of their whereabouts. In January 2025, Mamata Mahapatra, wife of Tapan Mahapatra, received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number, purportedly from her husband, informing her that they were imprisoned in Pakistan. "My husband wrote that he and the others are in a Pakistani jail and urged us to inform the panchayat pradhan and MLAs," Mamata recounted.
Calls for Government Action and Support
The families are now urgently appealing to both the central and state governments to expedite efforts to secure the fishermen's release. They highlight the emotional and financial toll of the prolonged separation and uncertainty.
Satinath Patro, secretary of a fishermen's organization, has pledged support to the affected families, stating that the body will provide financial assistance and stand by them during this challenging time. The organization aims to amplify the call for diplomatic resolution and ensure the fishermen's safe return.
This case underscores the broader issues faced by fishermen operating near maritime boundaries and the critical need for prompt governmental and diplomatic responses to such incidents.
