BSF arrests 9 Pakistanis in Sir Creek area, one boat seized

The Border Security Force (BSF) of India arrested nine Pakistani citizens from within the Indian territory of Arabian Sea, in Sir Creek along the coast of Gujarat on Monday.

The Pakistanis were arrested with their small boat, which has been seized. BSF personnel are trying to ascertain whether the nine are fisherman or terrorists trying to infiltrate into India through Gujarat waters.

Sir Creek is a 96 km long strip of water in the Rann of Kutch marshlands and figures in the list of disputed territories between India and Pakistan. It divides Gujarat’s Kutch region from Pakistan’s Sindh province.

Both Indian and Pakistani forces frequently arrest fishermen from the two countries from the area as the latter cross over to the other country’s territory in the absence of clear boundaries.