Narendra Modi extends no sadbhavana for 262 fishermen in Pakistani jails

While the state chief minister, Narendra Modi fasts in his air-conditioned hall in Ahmedabad, families of the 262 Gujarati fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails will miss his presence at the meeting with the Pakistani delegation.

The affected families believe that Modi's fast has thrown a spanner in the release of the fishermen. Sources said that for the Sadbhavana of the state, the CM forgot his Sadbhavana for the Pakistani delegation.

Modi had set aside all his appointments on September 17, 18 and 19, for his three-day fast.

This means the meeting Pakistani delegation was also cancelled.

The four-member delegation comprises Nasir Zahid - retired Justice, Supreme Court of Pakistan and a member of Indo-Pak judicial committee (Prisoners), Iqbal Haider- former Attorney General and Law Minister, Pakistan,  Karamat Ali - founding president of Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum and Mohammad Ali Shah - current president of Pakistan Fishermen Forum.

The delegation was to meet Modi on Saturday, however fisheries minister Dilip Sanghani and fisheries commissioner PB Patani will be meeting them now.

A source from among the fishermen told DNA that there is no direct link between the CM and the release of these fishermen. However, Modi meeting the delegation could have really made the difference and eased the process of release of the 262 fisherman and their 512 boats.

Modi had mentioned the release of the fishermen as one of his prime concerns to the Central government. The pending nature of the issue was stated as one of the serious causes that the Central government needs to follow, according to him.

"Since October 2003, no boat of Indian fishermen has been released by the Pakistani government," a source said. This could have been a good chance for the CM to pressurise the delegation, said the source.

The delegation, however, will be visiting the Kirti Mandir in Porbandar and will also visit families of fishermen in the coastal villages. The delegation, which is expected to reach Ahmedabad airport at 9 am on Saturday, will be on a two-day visit in the state.