BSF constable straying into Pakistan: How protocols from Bangladesh border could help smooth bumps

Constable PK Shaw of the Border Security Force who had strayed into Pakistan in the Ferozepur sector on April 23 was repatriated to India by Pakistan on May 14. He had strayed into Pakistan while deployed to provide security to the farmers who were working in their fields.

The incident highlights the importance of putting in place a mechanism for dealing with such situations. Patrols of the two border guarding forces often come across each other during their daily operations. But the tense relations between India and Pakistan prevent any contact between them.

The lack of contact between the troops on the ground presents major challenges in resolving minor problems such as the straying across the border of cattle and individuals, whether civilian or security force personnel.

Among the tactical operations conducted by the Border Security Force in its primary role to promote a sense of security among border residents is the “kisan guard” – a patrol of three or four constables that protects agriculturists.

Shaw was a part of one such patrol when he inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan from a place with no border pillars in the vicinity.

Because of the paucity of troops and the large area to be covered, the participants in a kisan guard are...

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