A member of the Pakistani Ranger force has been detained by the Border Security Force (BSF) at the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan, amidst rising tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam terror incident.
This incident occurred shortly after BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw unintentionally crossed the international boundary from Punjab. Despite India’s strong objections and multiple requests for his release, Pakistan has declined to free him. Shaw, aged 40, has served in the BSF for 17 years and was assigned to the 24th Battalion near the Pakistan border in the Mamdot sector of Ferozepur.
On April 23, while part of the ‘kisan guard’ team responsible for safeguarding farmers near the border fence, he mistakenly crossed into Pakistan to rest under a tree, leading to his detention by the Pakistan Rangers. Shaw’s pregnant wife, Rajani, has also met with senior officials of the force in Ferozepur to inquire about the ongoing efforts to secure his release.
Indo-Pak tensions
Recent developments have emerged in the context of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of twenty-six individuals, primarily tourists, in a meadow near Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
In response to this attack, India implemented a range of measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and a reduction in the staffing of High Commissions.
Additionally, the Indian government revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, mandating their departure by April 30, and closed its airspace to flights operated by Pakistan Airlines. In retaliation, Pakistan announced a halt to all trade with India, including transit through third countries, and prohibited Indian airlines from utilizing its airspace. Furthermore, Pakistani forces have breached the ceasefire along the border for the tenth consecutive night, engaging in small arms fire along the Line of Control (LoC).
