Pakistan handed over Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw to India today, days after the ceasefire was declared between the two countries.
Shaw was apprehended by Pak Rangers on April 23 at Attari border in Punjab while on operational duty, after he inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan territory.
He was handed over at about 10.30am through the Joint Check Post in Attari, Amritsar.
“With the consistent efforts of BSF through regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers and through other communication channels, the repatriation of BSF Constable has become possible,” the BSF said in a statement.
The 40-year-old, who hails from Rishra in Hooghly district of West Bengal, was deployed with the 24th Battalion in Ferozepur sector, and was part of a ‘kisan guard’ team tasked with the protection of farmers working near the border.
Earlier, Hindustan Times quoted Shaw's wife as saying that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had assured her that her husband’s release will be part of the discussions between India and Pakistan. She also told HT that authorities had informed her that Shaw was safe and in good health, and was not mistreated in Pakistani custody.
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Inadvertent crossings happen, but are resolved quickly. Shaw’s release was delayed due to heighted tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed, and India’s response in the form of Operation Sindoor. After days of cross-border drone and missile strikes, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, with DGMO-level talks on May 12 reaching an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect.
Shaw’s family members thanked the Union government and BSF authorities for securing his return. “We are very happy today. We thank the central government and the BSF authorities for their efforts in safely bringing him back. The past two weeks have been filled with sleepless nights and uncertainty for us. We were constantly worried about his well-being,” a family member of Shaw told reporters. “We are now eagerly waiting to speak to him and see him in person. Our prayers have finally been answered,” he said.