BSF probing ISI link of Pak fishermen arrested in Kutch

Ahmedabad, Oct 5 (PTI) Five Pakistani fishermen have
been arrested after venturing into Indian waters from the
Deveri Creek area in Kutch district in India's western part by
the Border Security Force (BSF) which is investigating if one
of them, held earlier too from the same spot, had any links
with the ISI.
"Five Pakistani fishermen were arrested from the
Deveri Creek area yesterday after a hard pursuit of over two
hours," BSF officials said.
"One of the fishermen arrested is Mohammad Illiyas
Themor (42) from Kasimgoth village in Thatta district of Sindh
province in Pakistan," they said.
"Illiyas is suspected to be involved with Pakistani
intelligence agency ISI and his link is being investigated,"
BSF officials said, adding that he was earlier apprehended by
them in 2003 from the same area.
"Detailed questioning of the fishermen is in
progress," they added.
Four others arrested include Karim Baksh Themor (12),
Nazir Themor (22), Shabir Themor (23) and Mir Khan Themor
(30), all from Thatta district in Pakistan, they said.
"In view of the inputs about increased activities of
Pakistan's ISI in the Creek area BSF troops have been put on
extra alert and four floating Border Out Posts (BOPs) are
operating deep inside the Creek waters for enhanced
surveillance round the clock," BSF officials said.

Earlier on August 16, BSF had apprehended nine
Pakistani nationals, including six of the same family from the
West Coast Creek area.
In the Creek area on the west of Kutch district is
situated Harami Nala, a sluggish and shallow water channel,
spread over 500 sq km which has in the past witnessed
intrusion from Pakistani fishermen.
The marshy topography of the area makes it difficult
for BSF troops to react swiftly in case of infiltration.
Also, there is a territorial dispute between India and
Pakistan over the Creek area.
The perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes Last
year, had hijacked an Indian fishing boat 'Kuber' from near
the Creek area before reaching the financial capital of India.
Many a time Indian fishermen who venture into the
Creek area in order to get good quantity of fish, are
apprehended by the Pakistan Marine Security Agency.
According to National Fish Workers' Forum there are
over 500 Indian fishermen languishing in Pakistani jails,
while over 400 Indian fishing boats have been seized by the
Pakistan marine security agency. PTI PB
AM