Seven Days, Seven Meetings, One Tired Excuse: Pakistan’s Foot-Dragging on BSF Jawan’s Release
The detention of the jawan at BSF, with subsequent requests and, flag meetings achieved, serves no useful purpose, but compounds the problem.
Pakistan Delays BSF Jawan Release: 7 Days, 7 Talks, Excuses
The Border Security Force (BSF) Jawan Purnam K Shaw by mistake entered the International Border in the Ferozepur sector of Punjab seven days ago. Official sources disclose seven flag meetings took place between Indian and Pakistani border authorities over the seven-day period since Jawan Purnam K Shaw crossed the border. Pakistani forces maintain their custody of the Jawan as they continuously delay the transfer based on a standard statement repeated multiple times that they are waiting for instructions from their senior leadership.
The present situation does not involve a combatant who was apprehended during intense combat. Initial reports along with following documentation show that the jawan entered Pakistani territory by chance while conducting normal patrol responsibilities in close proximity to border fences during possible agricultural support duties. Heavy patrols along undefined borders lead to many accidental border crossings despite the unfortunate frequency of this occurrence. The return procedures for personnel define quick border repatriation with special focus on tension reduction while upholding friendly relations even in times of tension.
The case has taken an extended route with obstructive developments. Seven days in a row Indian representatives conducted talks with Pakistani representatives to achieve the swift free return of Indian personnel. Officials from India visited Pakistan for seven straight sessions but each time received identical resistance during meetings from Islamabad officials who wait for approval.
In the urgent scenario the plausibility of this explantation fails to justify prolonged detention since bureaucratic procedures would not stretch over many days. The extended detention raises important doubts about the real purpose behind this continuing detention. Bureaucracy hindered by slow processing seems to be the explanation for the slow handover of basic administrative power to the civil administration. Does the extended detention have a strategic reason behind it?
Given the timing of the incident – occurring shortly after the [mention specific event like Pahalgam terror attack if relevant from search results, otherwise keep it general like “recent tensions”] – suspicions of a more designed and deliberate strategy are understandably high in India. Dragging out the release of a BSF jawan is allowing Pakistan to keep the border issue simmering and maybe using the individual as leverage or a pawn in a larger game of international relations. It also serves the purpose of warming up public sentiment within Pakistan and may be aimed at projecting strength or retaliation.
Stress and strain also become added factors for the long-drawn detention of the jawan, whose family wants to see him home. While they have been pleading with the Indian authorities to expedite the process, it brings to light the humanitarian cost of the impasse. It also adds to the family’s agony with every passing day, and in India, sentiment has grown against Pakistan’s obstinacy.
Though we may continue to explore diplomatic measures, the constant use of the excuse of “awaiting orders” reveals whether it is urgency, or a willingness to abide by established norms in situations like this, or otherwise. The international community should start taking note that the continued delay of this discussion is unnecessary and this is a situation that ought to be addressed quickly and amicably.
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Ultimately, the detention of the jawan at BSF, with subsequent requests and, flag meetings achieved, serves no useful purpose, but compounds the problem. It adds more stress, distrust, and suffering to the individual, and the individual and their families. Pakistan must move beyond this silly excuse, and focus on releasing the jawan immediately, with the intent of good neighborliness and adherence to established border protocols. The seven days and seven meetings should have been enough – action needs to be taken, not excuses.
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