(a) whether many Indian children are in Pak jails;
(b) if so, the factual position in this regard; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to get them released?
(a) whether many Indian children are in Pak jails;
(b) if so, the factual position in this regard; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to get them released?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a) to (c) According to available information, 7 children of Indian fishermen are under detention in Pakistani jail. These children, in the age group of 9 to 17 years, were detained by the Pakistani authorities following apprehension of their fishing boats by the Pakistani Maritime Security Agency during the period between October and December, 1999.
The issue of early release and repatriation of these children is being pursued with Pakistan through diplomatic channels and it is our hope and expectation that these children would be released soon.