Pakistani boat apprehended near Sir Creek area

A Pakistani fishing boat was on Friday apprehended by the Border Security Force from the Harami Nala near the disputed Sir Creek area, a BSF official said.

"A Pakistani boat with fishermen and fishing equipment was trying to cross the International Maritime Boundary towards the Indian area near Harami Nala close to the Sir Creek area," said a Gujarat-based BSF official.

"When we tried to chase them down, the fishermen fled, leaving the boat behind. Their boat has been apprehended and fishing equipment, which includes a fishing net and other items, have been recovered," the official said, adding that search operations were going on.

Further details are awaited, the official said.

Harami Nala is a marshy, sluggish and shallow water channel in Kutch, spread over 500 sq km on the India-Pakistan border, which has in the past witnessed many intrusions from Pakistani fishermen. The marshy topography makes it difficult for troops to react swiftly against infiltration.

Both India and Pakistan are engaged in a political battle over this area, which may be rich in oil and gas, and the brackish water which makes for good fishing grounds.