This is a statement put out by some of us; names of signatories is given at the end

We, the undersigned, welcome the decision of Pakistan government to release 26 Indian fishermen on humanitarian grounds. They were in Pakistani prison for more than two years for allegedly violating territorial border. The Pakistani gesture came in the background of a meeting, which took place in New Delhi, between the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh & the Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on last Sunday. The poor Indian and Pakistani fishermen find it extremely difficult to recognize other country’s territorial border in the mid-sea.

We appeal to the Government of India to reciprocate Pakistani gesture by sending Dr. Khaleel Chishty and Pakistani fishermen back home. This will be a major confidence building measure. It will help in creating a conducive atmosphere in taking forward peace process.

We also appeal to both the governments to release and return all confiscated boats of fishermen. These boats are owned by the fishermen and it is the only source of income for them. Their livelihood depends on boats. Around 700 Indian confiscated boats are lying in and around Karachi and more than 150 Pakistani boats are lying in India.

Signed by,

1. Jatin Desai, Journalist, Mumbai
2. Kuldip Nayar, Journalist, Delhi
3. Mahesh Bhatt, Filmmaker, Mumbai
4. Vrinda Grover, Lawyer, Delhi
5. Suhasini Muley, Actor, Mumbai
6. Admiral L Ramdas, Activist, Alibaug
7. Ved Bhasin, Journalist, Jammu
8. Shivam Vij, Journalist, Delhi
9. Sanjay Nahar, Activist, Pune
10. Manisha Gupte, Activist, Pune
11. Varsha Berry, Activist, Mumbai
12. Haris Kidwai, Activist, Delhi
13. Mazher Hussain, Activist, Hyderabad

From Kafila archives:

• April 10, 2012: On the Supreme Court granting bail to Dr Khaleel Chishty: PUCL statement
• January 6, 2012: The inter-connected destinies of strangers across an international border
• December 9, 2011: Shivraj Patil hath no mercy! Why could he not pardon an old, ailing Ram Kumar?: PUCL
• November 28, 2011: A case for remission of punishment for Dr Khaleel Chishty under Article 161 of the Constitution of India: Kavita Srivastava
• November 19, 2011: Dr Khaleel Chishty’s family in Ajmer to appeal for his release: Kavita Srivastava
• October 10, 2011: Gopal Das is free, Khaleel Chishty is not
• September 7, 2011: Bring Dr Chishty home – alive
• June 19, 2011: Dr Khaleel Chishty will finally be free
• April 17, 2011: Free Dr Khaleel Chishty: Amna Chishty