We were treated well, say freed Gujarat traders

Though Indian diamond traders have returned home, the memories of the days spent in jail in China are still haunting them. They had food and   medicine, but what they missed the most was social life. Of the 12 traders who reached India, two are from Surat. They shared their experiences with DNA.

"Pratik was given Indian food and, that too, Jain food by Chinese officials. Chinese officials never harassed him unnecessarily nor misbehaved with him. He was provided with whatever required, but was always under strict vigil of security officials," said Kanak Parikh, elder brother of Partik Parikh, over phone from Mumbai.

Pratik said that all kind of legal help was also provided by Chinese authorities for their early deportation to India. While the case was proceeding at slow pace in the beginning, it gained momentum in last two-three months.

"We had to hire advocates and no help was given in that regard by Chinese administration. All fees of advocates and other related expenses were borne by us," said Pratik.

The detained diamond traders were kept at City Center at Shenzhen, where they were kept along with 8-10 other inmates. Apart from Indians, Japanese, American and Korean inmates were also kept in the same barrack. While the detained Indian traders were allowed to talk to each other, they were allowed to speak to their family members once in three months.

"According to the Chinese rule, a detained person can speak to his family members once in three months and that too for half an hour. We visited China every three months to talk to him," added Kanak.

All 12 traders who reached India are now enjoying time with their families. They have planned to go on vacations before returning to work. Their family members claimed that the traders were in good physical and mental condition.

"Samir has plans for a party with his friends after which he will accompany   his family on a religious tour. The Chinese government

provided good service while deporting them to India. The Chinese authorities have not even mentioned 'deportation' in the passports of 12 Indian traders," Ashok Shah, uncle of Samir, told DNA over phone.

According to Shah, Samir and other 11 are happy on returning home, but they still remember the dreadful 23 months spent in Chinese captivity. Now, all want to make a new beginning in life.