Pakistan Hands Over BSF Jawan Detained on April 23 to India

Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Poornam Kumar Shaw was detained by Pakistan Rangers on April 23 after accidentally crossing the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district. Nearly three weeks later, on May 14, Shaw was handed back to India at around 10:30 am through the Joint Check Post at Attari in Amritsar. He had been in Pakistani custody for 21 days during this period.

The incident occurred a day after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which had already escalated tensions along the India-Pakistan border. Shaw, a resident of West Bengal and a member of the 73rd BSF battalion deployed in the Ferozepur sector, accidentally crossed the border while on patrol. Upon crossing, Pakistani Rangers immediately detained him and questioned him. As soon as Shaw was reported missing, the BSF contacted their counterparts in Pakistan Rangers, who confirmed that he was indeed in their custody.

The handover was carried out peacefully, following established protocols, and was made possible due to consistent diplomatic and operational efforts by the BSF. Regular flag meetings and communication channels between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers played a key role in facilitating Shaw’s repatriation.

Following Shaw’s detention, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the Indian central government to secure his swift return. She emphasized the urgency of bringing him back safely and expressed her concern for his well-being. Shaw’s family, particularly his father Bholenath, also expressed relief and gratitude upon receiving official confirmation from BSF headquarters that Shaw had been released and was on his way back to India. Bholenath described the confirmation as almost unbelievable, highlighting the emotional toll the detention had taken on his family.

The broader context of Shaw’s detention includes heightened border tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which increased military alertness and led to a series of escalations along the India-Pakistan border. Operation Sindoor, launched by India as a counterstrike against terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, further intensified the situation but eventually paused after both countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.

Despite the ceasefire, diplomatic relations remain fragile, and incidents like Shaw’s detention underscore the volatility and sensitivity of the India-Pakistan border. The peaceful and procedural handover of Shaw represents a positive step amid otherwise tense bilateral relations, showcasing the importance of continuous dialogue and established protocols to manage border incidents.

The successful repatriation also demonstrates the role of the BSF and its counterparts in maintaining peace and security along the border, even during periods of heightened tension. It reflects the critical balance between vigilance and humanitarian considerations, emphasizing the need for structured communication and cooperation between the two countries’ border forces.

In summary, the detention and subsequent handover of BSF jawan Poornam Kumar Shaw highlight the complexities of the India-Pakistan border situation post-Pahalgam attack. The episode illustrates how established protocols, diplomatic efforts, and timely communication can lead to peaceful resolutions, even in sensitive geopolitical contexts. The return of Shaw has been welcomed by both officials and his family, marking a rare moment of positive engagement between the two neighboring countries amid ongoing challenges.