Why Did Pakistan Repatriate BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Purnam Kumar Shaw was held by Pakistan for several days before his release.
- The incident underscores the importance of diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.
- Shaw's family received significant support during his ordeal.
- The repatriation process followed established protocols for cross-border handovers.
- Such events remind us of the challenges faced by armed forces on the border.
Chandigarh, May 14 (NationPress) Just four days following the ceasefire agreement, Pakistan on Wednesday released Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been captured on April 23.
He was returned to India at 10:30 a.m. via the Joint Check Post Attari in Punjab.
Shaw is part of the BSF's 182 Battalion, stationed along the international border in Punjab.
According to the BSF, "Today at 10:30 hours, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been brought back from Pakistan at the Attari-Wagha border."
As per the paramilitary force, "Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw inadvertently crossed into Pakistan while on duty in the Ferozepur sector on April 23, 2025, around 11:50 hours and was detained by Pak Rangers."
Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Frontier, BSF, Atul Fulzele, informed the media that Shaw, who had been in custody since April 23, was successfully repatriated to India.
He stated, "The handover occurred smoothly and followed the established protocols."
Shaw was taken captive a day after the Pahalgam terror attack, having accidentally crossed the international border with his service weapon. He was promptly detained by Pakistani forces during a period of heightened tensions.
Originally from Rishra in West Bengal's Hooghly district, Shaw's wife had traveled to Punjab to engage with BSF officials regarding the situation.
Upon his return to India, the Trinamool Congress expressed on X, "Home at last. After days of anxiety and uncertainty, BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally been repatriated. Mamata Banerjee personally reached out to his wife multiple times, offering reassurance and support throughout this ordeal. We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he faced and hope he finds peace with his loved ones."