A Border Security Force (BSF) constable who had been in Pakistani custody since April 23 was returned to India on Wednesday. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed the International Border while on duty in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector and was subsequently detained by Pakistan Rangers.
According to a BSF statement, Shaw was handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border at 10:30 am. “Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently entered Pakistani territory around 11:50 am on April 23 while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector. He was detained by the Pakistan Rangers. Due to continuous efforts by BSF, including regular flag meetings and communication through established channels, his repatriation was made possible,” the statement said.
The development follows a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, days after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Earlier, on May 5, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed concern over the incident. “This is an extremely unfortunate situation. His name is Shaw. Our party’s Kalyan Banerjee is in touch with the family. We want him to be brought back at the earliest. We have clearly stated that our party stands with the government on matters of internal and external security. This is not an issue for political division,” she had said.
Following Shaw’s detention, the BSF issued a strict advisory to its personnel, calling for heightened vigilance during patrols along the sensitive border.
The BSF is tasked with guarding the 3,323-kilometre-long India-Pakistan border, which spans Jammu and Kashmir (including parts of the Line of Control), Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
(With inputs from ANI)
