Amritsar (Punjab), May 14: In a major diplomatic win for India, Pakistan on Wednesday returned Border Security soldier Purnam Kumar Shaw after 20 days. Shaw's was handed over to the Indian authorities at around 10:30 am at the Attari border in Punjab's Amritsar. The development came days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following a four-day military conflict.
A day after the Pahalgam terror attack, Shaw was detained by Pakistan Rangers as he accidentally crossed the Punjab border on April 23. He is a constable of the 182nd battalion of the BSF. The jawan was in uniform and carried his service rifle when he was detained by Pakistani Rangers.
BSF's Statement:
"Today at 1030 hrs Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by BSF at Attari - Wagha border. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan territory, while on operational duty in area of Ferozepur sector on 23rd April 2025 around 1150 hrs and detained by Pak Rangers," the BSF said in a statement.
"With the consistent efforts of BSF through regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers and through other communication channels, repatriation of BSF Constable has become possible," it added.
BSF's Statement | X
How Shaw Accidently Crossed Border?
He was accompanying farmers in Ferozepur district when he moved ahead to rest in the shade and was apprehended by the Rangers. Shaw is a resident of West Bengal's Hooghly.
The BSF jawan's return was reportedly delayed due to the simmering tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
Earlier this month, the BSF also reportedly apprehended a Pakistani Ranger near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan. India also reportedly returned the Pakistan Ranger on Wednesday, May 14.
Operation Sindoor:
Notably, on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack. In retaliation, Pakistan also tried to target Indian civilian and military installations. However, India thwarted the Pakistani attack.
On the night of May 9, India launched attacks on several Pakistani air bases. On the evening of May 10, both countries agreed to a ceasefire.
