New Delhi also sought consular access to five civilian prisoners, including former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, whom its officials have been unable to meet despite repeated requests, the people said. India sought the “immediate release” of 10 civilian prisoners who had completed their sentences, including two who had served their terms by 2014 and 2015. Another five prisoners had been confirmed as Indian nationals and India sought their “early release and repatriation”. Noting that India has been providing timely consular access to Pakistani prisoners, the note verbale said access to Indian fishermen and prisoners was “inordinately delayed”. It again sought consular access to five civilian prisoners, including Jadhav, whose cases were pending with Pakistan.

Source: Hindustan Times April 02, 2019 16:07 UTC