National: In a significant diplomatic development, BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of the Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was repatriated to India on Wednesday morning.
The handover took place around 10:30 a.m. at the Joint Check Post in Attari, Amritsar, following established cross-border protocols between the two nations.
Shaw, a native of West Bengal and part of the 182nd Battalion, had inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory while on operational duty near the Ferozepur sector in Punjab. According to official statements, he was in uniform and carrying his service rifle when he apparently moved toward a shaded area to rest and unknowingly crossed the International Border. He was subsequently detained by Pakistani forces.
The BSF confirmed that Shaw is currently undergoing debriefing by Indian security agencies. His safe return was made possible after a series of coordinated efforts, including a flag meeting between Indian and Pakistani border forces to resolve the matter amicably.
The repatriation has evoked strong emotional and political responses. The Trinamool Congress posted on X, expressing relief and highlighting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s personal outreach to Shaw’s wife during the period of uncertainty. “Home at last,” read the post, wishing Shaw a full recovery from the trauma.
West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar also took to X to express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling Shaw’s return “a victory of India’s resolve, diplomacy, and national pride.” He praised the government’s unwavering commitment to national security and the dignity of its soldiers.
Shaw’s unintentional crossing came just a day after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Baisaran valley, where 26 people were killed. The timing of the incident had added urgency to diplomatic efforts for his return.
As Constable Shaw reunites with his family, his safe return stands as a testament to the strength of India’s border diplomacy and the enduring support for its armed forces.
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