West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday expressed deep concern over the detention of BSF jawan PK Sahu from Hooghly, who was apprehended by Pakistan Rangers after inadvertently crossing the international border near Punjab’s Firozpur on April 23.
Calling the situation “extremely sad,” the Chief Minister said that Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee is in contact with the jawan’s family and assured them of full support. “We want him to be rescued at the earliest. Our party is firmly with the central government on all matters concerning internal and external security. This is not the time for politics,” Banerjee stated.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a renewed advisory to its personnel to remain alert and vigilant during patrol duties, especially in the wake of this incident. A senior BSF officer confirmed that while such instructions are standard protocol, all patrolling units have now been asked to exercise extra caution to avoid unintentional border crossings.
According to BSF officials, accidental crossings by troops are not uncommon along the Punjab border and are typically resolved through flag meetings between Indian and Pakistani forces. However, in this case, Pakistan Rangers have not responded to repeated requests for such a meeting, reportedly due to heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
“We have lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan Rangers and are making every possible effort to bring back our jawan,” a BSF official said. The incident is currently under investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the inadvertent border crossing.
The India-Pakistan border, particularly in sectors like Punjab, remains one of the most sensitive and volatile regions due to ongoing geopolitical and security challenges. The BSF, which guards the 3,323 km-long border, continues to emphasize strict vigilance among its troops and has also advised local farmers working near the border to remain alert.
