Congress asks what steps is Centre taking to ensure safe return of BSF soldier detained by Pakistan

The Congress on Tuesday asked the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government to explain what steps it was taking to ensure the safe return of a Border Security Force constable who was detained by the Pakistan Rangers six days ago.

Constable PK Sahu of the 182nd battalion was detained on the afternoon of April 23 while accompanying Indian farmers beyond the barbed wire fence between the two countries.

Farmers are allowed to work on land just ahead of the fence, which remains within Indian territory, under the supervision of BSF personnel during designated hours – from 9 am to 5 pm.

“It has been six days since BSF constable Purnam Sahu was detained by Pakistan Rangers,” the Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said on social media.

He added: “His family is anxiously awaiting answers. What steps is the government taking to secure his safe return?”

Sahu, a resident of Hooghly in West Bengal, was in uniform, carrying his service weapon – an AK-47 rifle – and had moved to rest under the shade of a tree when he was detained.

A BSF official said on Thursday that flag meetings were being held with the Rangers to secure Sahu’s release.

The Rangers had yet to communicate Sahu’s whereabouts with the BSF, an unidentified government official told The Hindu on Monday.

“Meetings are being held with...

Read more