In the small village of Vanakbara on Diu Island, India, the air is filled with celebration. Rajeshwari Rama’s home is alive with laughter and joy as family and friends gather to celebrate the release of her husband, Mahesh Rama. He was freed from Landhi jail in Karachi, Pakistan, earlier this year, after spending time behind bars for crossing a disputed maritime border while fishing.
The atmosphere is festive, with sweets being shared among the attendees. However, not everyone is in high spirits. Laxmiben Solanki stands quietly in a corner, lost in thought about her husband, Premji Solanki, who remains imprisoned in Pakistan. He has been in jail since December 2022, along with many other Indian fishermen, for unknowingly crossing into Pakistani waters while fishing.
In February, Pakistan released 22 Indian fishermen who had been held since 2021 and 2022. Among them were three from Diu and the others from Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. These fishermen often find themselves in trouble due to the unclear boundaries in the Arabian Sea, especially around Sir Creek, where no physical border exists. Fishermen from both countries frequently stray into each other’s waters, often without realizing it.
As of March, there are still 194 Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails, with 123 from Gujarat. The Indian government holds 81 Pakistani fishermen in return. Families on both sides report that their loved ones are imprisoned for a crime committed unknowingly.
The release of some fishermen has brought relief, but many families continue to struggle. Mauji Nathubhai Bamaniya, released for health reasons, expressed disbelief at being back home. Another released fisherman, Ashok Kumar Solanki, who has hearing and speaking impairments, also returned home, but the situation remains dire for those still imprisoned.
Kantaben Chunilal, whose son Jashvant was arrested at just 17, now faces financial hardship. She has borrowed heavily from relatives to survive, as the government’s aid is insufficient. Similarly, Aratiben Chavda, married to fisherman Alpesh Chavda, struggles to raise their son, who has never met his father due to his ongoing imprisonment.
Activists and fishermen’s unions are advocating for the release of all imprisoned fishermen. Chhaganbhai Bamania, a social worker, noted that under Pakistani law, fishermen should not be sentenced for more than six months. However, due to the tensions between India and Pakistan, many face extended jail time without understanding why.
This cycle of arrests and releases continues to affect families deeply. Shyamjibhai Ramji, a fisherman who has been jailed multiple times, shares his traumatic experiences in custody. He, like many others, feels trapped by the circumstances of their profession, which often leads them into dangerous waters.
As families await the return of their loved ones, hope remains a fragile emotion. Laxmiben Solanki, with tears in her eyes, reassures her children that their father will come home. Yet, after four years of waiting, the promise of tomorrow feels distant. The sea, a source of life for many, also represents uncertainty and longing for those left behind.