In a significant diplomatic development, BSF Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been held by the Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was repatriated to India on Wednesday morning. The formal handover took place at 10:30 am at the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post in Amritsar, Punjab, following established border protocols.
What Happened?
Constable Shaw, a member of the 182nd Battalion of the Border Security Force, inadvertently crossed the International Border near Ferozepur, Punjab, while on operational duty. The BSF reported that Shaw, in full uniform and carrying his service weapon, stepped into Pakistani territory around 11:50 am on April 23, allegedly while moving to a shaded area to rest.
He was swiftly apprehended by Pakistan Rangers and remained in their custody for 15 days before being handed back.
Family’s Reaction
Shaw’s family, based in West Bengal, expressed immense relief and gratitude.
“We thank the central government and BSF for securing his return. The past two weeks were sleepless and filled with worry. We are eagerly waiting to see him in person,” a family member said.
Political Reactions
The episode triggered widespread responses across political parties:
- Trinamool Congress acknowledged Shaw’s return with a heartfelt message on X, highlighting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s personal outreach to Shaw’s wife during the ordeal: “Home at last… We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he endured.”
- West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar thanked PM Narendra Modi, calling Shaw’s safe return: “A victory of India’s resolve, diplomacy, and national pride.”
Diplomatic Context
BSF officials confirmed that flag meetings were held between Indian and Pakistani counterparts soon after Shaw’s detention. These efforts bore fruit as Pakistan returned Shaw without any formal charges or escalation.
Notably, Shaw’s inadvertent crossing came just a day after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed. The heightened tension following the attack had made Shaw’s detention even more sensitive, adding pressure on both sides to resolve the issue peacefully.
Next Steps
BSF stated that Constable Shaw is currently undergoing debriefing by security and intelligence officials to understand the circumstances of his crossing and ensure his physical and mental well-being.
