Modi accused the Centre of doing precious little in ensuring the release of Indian fishermen lodged in various jails in Pakistan.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today accused the Centre of doing precious little in ensuring the release of Indian fishermen lodged in various jails in Pakistan.
"The government at Centre has no concern for the Indian fishermen, therefore no efforts have been made so far to get them released from Pakistan," Modi said.
The chief minister was addressing a gathering during his day-long Sadbhavna fast held at Chowpatty ground in Porbander town.
"In a recent meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, the prime minister did not mention a word about 4,500 innocent fishermen who were nabbed with their boats and are now lodged in Pakistani jails," Modi said.
Modi informed that he had dashed a letter to the prime minister demanding action in this regard.
Recently, 122 Indian fishermen with 23 fishing trawlers were arrested by the Pakistani Marine Security Agency (PMSA) from off Jakhau coast in Kutch district of Gujarat for allegedly violating the international marine boundary.
"During my visit to China, I raised the issue of 20 diamond unit owners from Surat being lodged in jails there and also had taken up the issue with the Chinese government," he said.
"On the same lines, prime minister should take up the issue of Indian fishermen languishing in jails of Pakistan," Modi said.
Meanwhile, the state Congress president Arjun Modhvadia and Congress MP Vitthal Radadiya, also observed a parallel fast in Porbander.
"The fast of Gujarat CM was merely a political stunt, as the state farmers are facing acute water shortage and not getting electricity connections, while the industry is getting easy access to such basic necessities," Modhvadia said.
Modi on the occasion announced a grant of Rs 281 crore for improving basic infrastructure in Porbander.
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