New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) Friday entered the third day of negotiations with its Pakistani counterparts to secure the release of one of its personnel who inadvertently crossed the international border in the Ferozepur sector of Punjab.
On Wednesday afternoon, constable P. K. Shahu, was accompanying a group of local farmers across the border fence as part of routine security detail, ThePrint has learnt. It is standard practice for BSF personnel to escort farmers who cultivate fields near or across the fence. However, during this movement, the constable reportedly strayed beyond the border and was quickly detained by Pakistan Rangers.
“This is not the first such incident at the international border. Many of their troops and civilians have also inadvertently crossed over to our side and have been swiftly returned without unnecessary delay,” said an official familiar with the development.
Sources confirmed that flag meetings at the level of commandants have already taken place in a bid to secure Shahu’s release from Pakistani custody. However, the current diplomatic tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack have complicated the otherwise routine repatriation process.
Explaining the incident further, another official said, “He was leading the party followed by farmers in the border village and briefly crossed over to the other side. He was quickly detained and taken into custody. Efforts are being made to bring him back as soon as possible. This should have been a routine affair if not for the Pahalgam attack and subsequent bitter relationship.”
Meanwhile, Director General of BSF, Daljit Singh Chawdhary, met the Union Home Secretary Friday afternoon. While the timing coincided with the detention of the constable, sources indicated that the meeting was not “purely” due to the incident and not “entirely” focused on it.
These developments come amid heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan after the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.
In response to the attack, India undertook a series of drastic diplomatic and strategic actions. These included keeping the longstanding 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, and expelling Pakistan’s military diplomats by declaring them persona non grata.
Citizens who had crossed into India with valid documents were also asked to return before 1 May 2025. Pakistan, in turn, responded by threatening to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.
Islamabad also declared its airspace closed to Indian-owned and operated airlines, expelled Indian military, naval, and air advisers from its High Commission, reduced India’s diplomatic strength in Islamabad to 30 members, and revoked all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Indian nationals.
As the diplomatic standoff intensifies, Shahu’s release remains uncertain—an incident that might have been resolved swiftly under normal circumstances now caught in the crosshairs of worsening bilateral ties.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
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