NEW DELHI, March 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Some 530 Indian prisoners, mainly fishermen from Gujarat, were released by Pakistan and they entered Punjab Tuesday after crossing the only overland border crossing Wagah on the India-Pakistan border, Indo-Asian News Service reported.

    Eager family members waited at the Wagah check-post, near the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, since morning to welcome their loved ones who had languished in Pakistani jails for periods ranging from one to over five years.

    The prisoners walked over from Pakistan after completing formalities.

    The return of the prisoners started at 1.30 p.m.

    "Documents running into nearly 1,000 pages have to be filled for every case," an Indian immigration officer said.

    Most of the prisoners were fishermen from Gujarat who had inadvertently entered Pakistan's maritime boundary while fishing in the Arabian Sea.

    Officials said the release of such a huge contingent was mainly because of the efforts put in by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who recently visited Pakistan.

    Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had personally intervened to get the prisoners freed, they added. Enditem