Pakistan Hands Over Body of Deceased Gujarat Fisherman from Karachi Jail
Pakistan on Friday handed over the body of a 37-year-old fisherman from Gujarat, who passed away last month while incarcerated in a Karachi jail, to Indian authorities. The deceased has been identified as Bhagabhai Bambhaniya, a resident of Chikhli village in the Una tehsil of Gir-Somnath district.
A team from the Gujarat government's Fisheries Department took custody of the body at the Wagah border in Punjab. Officials stated that the body was received at 10:30 am on Friday, with paperwork being processed before it is flown to Ahmedabad. From there, it is expected to be transported to Bambhaniya's home village, likely reaching Una by Saturday.
Background of the Case and Community Concerns
Fisherman community leader Jivan Jungi revealed that Bambhaniya was apprehended by Pakistani authorities in February 2022 while fishing. According to peace activist and journalist Jatin Desai, who announced the death on January 18, Bambhaniya's sentence had concluded in 2022, and his nationality had been verified. Desai highlighted that under Section 5 of the Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access from 2008, both governments agree to release and repatriate individuals within one month of confirming national status and sentence completion. However, he noted that this provision often remains unimplemented in practice.
Bambhaniya is survived by his mother, wife, three children, and a brother. His death underscores ongoing issues faced by Indian fishermen detained in Pakistan.
Wider Context of Indian Fishermen in Pakistani Custody
Approximately 200 Indian fishermen are currently lodged in Pakistan's Malir Jail in Karachi, accused of entering the neighboring country's maritime waters. A majority hail from Gujarat and the Union Territory of Diu, with 19 originating from Maharashtra. Desai emphasized that around three to four Indian fishermen die annually in Malir Jail, describing it as a serious concern. He pointed out that many detainees have completed their sentences long ago and have confirmed nationalities, yet remain imprisoned, leading to deteriorating health and lost hope among families.
In December, a delegation of women from fisherfolk families met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi to submit a representation urging expedited processes for the release and repatriation of these fishermen. This incident highlights persistent diplomatic and humanitarian challenges between India and Pakistan regarding fisherfolk disputes.
