"Officials making effort to secure Purnam Kumar Shaw's return to India": Kalyan Banerjee speaks to DG BSF

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 26 (ANI): Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee on Saturday spoke to the Border Security Force Director General Daljit Chawdhary regarding the detention of BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw by the Pakistan Army and said that government agencies and officials are making every effort to ensure his secure return to India.
"I just spoke with the DG BSF regarding the detention of Purnam Kumar Shaw by the Pakistan Army. He informed me that all relevant government agencies and officials are making every possible effort to secure his return to India," Kalyan Banerjee posted on X.
The TMC leader said that the BSF has assured that Purnam is currently safe and in good health in Pakistan.
"The DG mentioned that while Pakistan is taking some time, they are expected to eventually hand him back. He also assured me that Purnam is currently safe and in good health in Pakistan," he said.
On Friday, Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Daljit Chawdhary met with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to provide an update on the situation following the detention of a BSF constable by Pakistan Rangers.
The meeting holds significance as Pakistan Rangers detained the BSF constable, Purab Kumar Shaw, who inadvertently crossed the International Border near Punjab's Ferozepur on Wednesday while providing security to farmers.
The meeting continued for over half an hour after which the BSF Director General left the North Block office of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Shaw, wearing his uniform and carrying his service rifle, was with a group of farmers when he stepped forward to rest in a shaded area, where he was then captured by the Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday afternoon.
According to initial reports, the trooper unintentionally stepped into Pakistani territory.
Three flag meeting between the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers has taken place so far in an effort to secure the constable's safe return, but all remained inconclusive as yet, officials said.
Officials noted that such incidents are not uncommon and have occurred previously along the border between the two countries.
This latest incident comes at a time of increased tensions following the terror attack in Pahalgam, which led India to take a range of retaliatory actions against Pakistan in response to its support for terrorism as 26 tourists were killed in the deadly terror attack on April 22.
Notably, the BSF is the primary force responsible for guarding the 3,323 km long India-Pakistan border, spanning the states of Jammu and Kashmir (including parts of the LoC), Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
This border is one of the most sensitive and volatile in the country, due to historical tensions and ongoing security challenges. (ANI)