NEW DELHI, July 12:
The India-Pakistan Joint Working Group (JWG) met here today for working out a mechanism for release of fishermen and their boats who cross maritime borders inadvertently.
The group held preliminary discussions and recognised the need for addressing the humanitarian aspect of inadvertent crossing of maritime borders by legitimate fishermen, an official spokesman said here.
The discussions were “fruitful” and deliberated on the way ahead in evolving a suitable mechanism for release of such fishermen and their boats, the spokesman said.
It was also acknowledged that focused approach and sustained efforts of the group needed to be continued.
The Indian delegation was led by Vice Admiral M P Muralidharan, Director General Indian Coast Guard, while the Pakistan side was led by Rear Admiral Waseem Akram, Director General, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).
The meeting was held in pursuance of the decision taken during the India-Pakistan Home/Interior Secretary-Level talks on March 28-29, 2011, where both sides agreed to task the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and PMSA to work on setting up a mechanism for release of fishermen and their boats who cross maritime borders inadvertently. (UNI)
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