BSF Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of the Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was handed over to Indian authorities on Wednesday. The repatriation took place around 10:30 am at the Joint Check Post (JCP) in Attari, Amritsar. The handover was carried out peacefully and in accordance with established bilateral protocols between India and Pakistan.
The issue of Shaw’s release was reportedly raised during the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level discussions held between the two countries earlier today, underscoring the seriousness with which the matter was pursued by Indian defence authorities.
Shaw had inadvertently crossed the International Border near Firozpur in Punjab during routine patrolling on April 23, leading to his detention by the Pakistan Rangers. According to initial reports, the crossing was unintentional. Following the incident, the Border Security Force (BSF) issued a strict advisory to its personnel, instructing heightened alertness and vigilance while on border patrol duties.
In the days that followed, BSF made consistent efforts to secure the trooper’s release. These included holding regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers and maintaining communication through established military channels. These diplomatic and operational efforts ultimately led to the successful repatriation of Constable Shaw.
Last month, Shaw’s family—particularly his wife—met with senior BSF officials in Punjab. During the meeting, they were assured that talks were ongoing with the Pakistan Rangers and that all possible measures were being taken to ensure his safe return.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier expressed deep concern over the detention of the BSF jawan, who hails from the Hooghly district in the state. On May 5, she issued a public statement highlighting the issue.
“This is an extremely sad situation. His name is Sahu. Our party leader Kalyan Banerjee is in touch with the family members. I want him to be rescued as soon as possible,” she said. Banerjee also emphasised that the Trinamool Congress was standing firmly with the central government on matters of national security, both internal and external.
“We are not playing politics or adopting a divide-and-rule approach here. On national security, we are united,” she added.
With the BSF’s unwavering diplomatic efforts and cooperation from Pakistani authorities, the ordeal has now come to an end, bringing much-needed relief to Shaw’s family and colleagues. The peaceful handover of the jawan is being seen as a positive outcome of sustained military-to-military communication and adherence to established border protocols.
Also Read: Political parties welcome repatriation of BSF constable
Follow us
