Pakistani Ranger detained by BSF days after India’s jawan held across border

The detention comes against the backdrop of worsening relations between the two neighbours following the April 22 terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

Tit-for-tat detentions

This development closely follows Pakistan’s continued detention of BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who accidentally crossed the border in Punjab on April 23 — just a day after the Pahalgam massacre. Despite India’s repeated demands and protests, Shaw has not been released, media reports said.

Such accidental crossings have typically been resolved through a flag meeting between the forces of both sides. However, Pakistan has remained “non-committal” about Shaw’s condition or timeline for repatriation, BSF officials said.

No resolution despite multiple flag meetings

The BSF has formally lodged a protest and launched an internal inquiry into Shaw’s crossing.

Officials say multiple flag meetings have taken place since, but Islamabad has not given any firm response.

"Efforts are on to secure his release. Possibly the Pakistani establishment is weighing its options given the current state of situation between the two countries in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Earlier such inadvertent crossings on either side were resolved quickly," a senior officer told PTI.

Adding to the anxiety, Pakistani social media handles have circulated images purportedly showing Shaw blindfolded in a vehicle and later standing under a tree, with his rifle, ammunition, and other gear placed on the ground.

BSF orders heightened alert on border duty

In response, the BSF has issued a strong advisory for personnel stationed along the border, warning them to remain extra cautious during patrols and avoid any accidental crossings.

The advisory also extends to farmers working near the frontier, urging increased awareness amid ongoing tensions.

India’s retaliatory steps after Pahalgam killings

India holds Pakistan responsible for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Bairsan Valley, where Pakistan-based militants opened fire on civilians, killing 26 people — many of them tourists.

After the gruesome attack, New Delhi has since rolled out a series of stringent measures, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, halting bilateral trade, cancelling visas, blocking Pakistani aircraft from Indian airspace, and imposing export restrictions.

Following a top-level security review, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the Indian Armed Forces full operational freedom to act in response to the killings.