For Rajani, the wife of BSF jawan Purnam Singh held by Pakistan Rangers for nearly three weeks, the news of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has come as a relief.
“I had lost all hope… But yesterday, after the ceasefire, I got a bit positive. I have full faith in God that my husband will return safely,” Rajani told The Indian Express over the phone.
Purnam Shaw, 40, was detained by Pakistan Rangers after he inadvertently crossed the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, a day after terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam in Kashmir.
Expressing her deep gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee, who called her to provide detailed updates on Purnam, Rajani said: “I am extremely thankful to our chief minister. She had talks with top BSF officials, and they confirmed to her that my husband is in good health. This assurance coming from her is a great relief.”
“I am very sure that my husband will soon be back with us,” added Rajani, who is expecting her second child.
She has also expressed hope that the CM’s intervention could expedite the process.
Meanwhile, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee demanded “immediate and decisive” government intervention to secure the release of Purnam Shaw.
“Since a ceasefire is currently in place between India and Pakistan, immediate steps must be taken to secure the release of the individual who has been detained by the Pakistan Army for nearly twenty days… At this point, I am not interested in hearing about intentions or plans—I demand immediate action. The individual (Purnam Shaw) must be released from detention without delay,” said the MP from Serampore, where Shaw’s family hails from.
Stating that Shaw’s family in Rishra is anxiously awaiting his return, Banerjee said: “I sincerely hope and expect that the Indian authorities are capable enough to take swift and decisive action to resolve this matter.”
Claiming that his repeated efforts to reach out to the office of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have not elicited any response, the TMC MP said: “Last night (Saturday night), I was contacted by an official from the Prime Minister’s Office, who advised me to convey my message about Purnam directly to the Prime Minister.”
“I am grateful that the Director General of the BSF has assured me that the matter will be escalated to senior authorities and that all possible efforts will be made. The people of the Serampore constituency are anxiously awaiting Poornam’s safe return. We sincerely hope that the Hon’ble Prime Minister and all responsible government officials will take swift and decisive action to bring him home,” the MP added.