India asks Pakistan to release 400 Indian prisoners, seeks consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav

India asked Pakistan on Tuesday to release and repatriate its 400 Indian prisoners, including those who were still in the jail despite having completed their sentences nearly four to five years ago, HT reported.

India also sought consular access to five civilian prisoners, including former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who its officials are barred to meet despite repeated requests, the sources told to HT. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court after being arrested on charges of spying and subversive activities in 2016.

The demand over the release of 385 fishermen and 15 other prisoners and access to five prisoners was made through a note verbale. It was an unsigned diplomatic correspondence – sent to the Pakistan high commission in New Delhi.

Notably, India has also expressed ‘deep concern’ over its long-pending request for the release and repatriation of prisoners and fishermen, especially those who have completed their sentences and whose nationality had been confirmed.

Following which, India has sought the “immediate release” of 10 civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentences. Among those ten, two who had served their terms by 2014 and 2015.

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