BSF soldiers work relentlessly, putting their lives on the line to protect the nation at the border. If one soldier's family is in misery, it's also the entire nation's distress. A BSF soldier named Pinka Singh, who was caught at the India-Pakistan border in Firozpur, Punjab, has been in Pakistani custody for more than 72 hours. Even after three flag meetings, he has not been released.
Pakistani officials have refused to release him straight away. They said that the soldier would not be freed unless they received orders from higher authorities. All this is causing the soldier's family to panic even more, and we can only imagine their pain right now.
Meanwhile, on Friday evening, BSF Director General (DG) Nitin Agrawal spoke to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to help secure the soldier’s release.
The soldier's brother, Shyam Sundar Sahu, appealed to the central government to help release his brother. Following the terrorist attack in Poonch, there has been tension between the two countries, which is delaying Pinka Singh's release.
Pinka Singh’s mother, Devanti Devi Sahu, and father, Bholanath Sahu, said:
“Our son should return home safely. His wife, Ranjit Sahu, is crying continuously and is in a very bad state. Please ensure he is not tortured.”
Pinka Singh’s wife, Ranjit Sahu, said,
"I last spoke to him on Monday night (April 22). After that, there has been no contact. Please bring him back quickly."
What has happened so far in the BSF soldier's case, step by step…
Pinka Singh, a soldier from the 24th Battalion of BSF posted at Mamdot Sector in Firozpur (coming from Sri Muktsar Sahib), accidentally crossed the zero line. On Tuesday morning, April 23, farmers were plowing their fields with tractors near the border. During this time, Pinka Singh went to rest under a tree and unknowingly crossed the border. As soon as he crossed, Pakistani Rangers caught him and seized his weapon.
BSF officers arrived immediately, but Pakistan refused to release
As soon as BSF officers got information about Pinka Singh being caught by Pakistani Rangers, they immediately reached the spot and held talks with the Pakistani Rangers.
However, Pakistani Rangers said that because the soldier had crossed the zero line with a weapon, he would not be released immediately. They said that they wouldn't release him until they received orders from higher authorities.
Three flag meetings took place, but no results
India and Pakistan held three flag meetings to try to get the BSF soldier released. BSF senior officers said they had been continuously trying for 2 to 3 days for his release, but there has been no positive outcome so far.