Key Points
- BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, detained by Pakistan Rangers after inadvertently crossing the border on April 23, was released and repatriated to India via Attari-Wagah border at 10:30 am on May 14.
- Shaw’s release comes days after a hard-fought ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor and intense cross-border hostilities.
- Multiple rounds of talks and flag meetings were held for Shaw’s return, but progress was stalled by heightened military tensions.
- Shaw’s family, especially his wife Rajni, actively campaigned for his release and received assurances from both BSF officials and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
- Accidental border crossings by security personnel are typically resolved through established military protocols, but Shaw’s case was complicated by the recent escalation.
New Delhi: In a moment of immense relief for his family and the Border Security Force, BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw was handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border on Wednesday morning after spending 21 days in Pakistani custody. Shaw, a resident of Rishra in West Bengal, was detained by Pakistan Rangers on April 23 after he inadvertently crossed the international border while on duty in the Ferozepur sector of Punjab-a day after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Ceasefire and Diplomacy Pave the Way
Shaw’s release comes on the heels of a crucial ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan on May 10, following days of intense military confrontation triggered by India’s Operation Sindoor-a series of precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation marked a significant shift in India’s counterterrorism doctrine, targeting not just terror camps but also military assets deep within Pakistan’s mainland.
The ensuing escalation saw both nations exchange missile and drone strikes, with civilian and military casualties on both sides. As hostilities peaked, diplomatic channels and military hotlines were activated, eventually leading to a ceasefire that enabled the resolution of several outstanding issues-including Shaw’s repatriation.
Family’s Ordeal and Persistent Efforts
Shaw’s family endured weeks of anxiety and uncertainty, with his wife Rajni traveling to Ferozepur to meet senior BSF officials and seeking intervention from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Chief Minister personally assured Rajni that all efforts were being made to secure her husband’s release and offered support for the family’s well-being[9]. Senior TMC leaders also engaged with BSF leadership to keep up the pressure for Shaw’s return.
Negotiations and Protocols
While accidental border crossings by soldiers or civilians are not uncommon and are generally settled through flag meetings and established military protocols, Shaw’s detention coincided with one of the most volatile periods in recent India-Pakistan relations. Multiple rounds of talks between BSF and Pakistan Rangers initially yielded little progress, with Pakistani authorities repeatedly citing the need for higher-level clearance. The breakthrough came only after the ceasefire, when both sides agreed to de-escalate and address humanitarian cases.
Formal Handover at Attari-Wagah
On May 14, at 10:30 am, Shaw was formally handed over to Indian authorities at the Joint Check Post in Attari, Amritsar, in a peaceful and protocol-driven ceremony. He was immediately taken for medical examination and debriefing before being reunited with his unit and family. BSF officials confirmed that the handover was conducted smoothly and thanked all agencies involved for their coordinated efforts.
Context: Operation Sindoor and Border Escalation
Shaw’s detention and release unfolded against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, India’s robust military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation destroyed nine terror launchpads and struck deep into Pakistani territory, signaling a new “red line” in India’s counterterrorism approach. Pakistan retaliated with strikes on Indian military and civilian sites, escalating tensions until the May 10 ceasefire was brokered with international support.
The safe return of BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw marks a rare positive outcome amid weeks of high-stakes military and diplomatic maneuvering between India and Pakistan. His release, facilitated by the recent ceasefire and persistent advocacy by his family and officials, underscores the importance of established military protocols and dialogue-even during periods of intense hostility. For Shaw’s family and colleagues, his homecoming is a moment of relief and celebration after a prolonged ordeal.
