Amidst Pahalgam tensions, BSF jawan arrested by Pakistan Rangers while resting under tree on the wrong side of border near Firozpur: Report

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan who accidentally entered Pakistani territory on Wednesday was reportedly detained by the Pakistan Rangers near the international border in the Firozpur district of Punjab. 

 

According to reports, BSF came to know about the predicament its personnel, whose weapons were confiscated during detention, was in and immediately called for a flag meeting with their Pakistani counterparts on Wednesday night. BSF demanded the safe return of its jawan but Pak Rangers rejected it. A second flag meeting will take place on Thursday to further discuss the issue, Jagran said in a report. 

 

The BSF jawan who set foot on the Pak side of the border was deployed in Firozpur region only a few days ago and his lack of awareness about the geography is believed to have resulted in the incident.

 

BSF jawan crossed over to Pakistan: What we know so far

 

While barbed wires separate the two countries, there are pastures ahead of these fences called the "Zero Line" where locals are allowed to graze their cattle after securing special passes. BSF jawans often watch such nomadic herds and provide protection. The uniformed men on such lookouts are colloquially called the 'Kisan Guards', local media reports said.  

 

Pillars have been installed to identify the area falling under the Zero Line, Amar Ujala said in a report. The jawan, who was relatively new to the area,  crossed the Zero Line to enter Pakistani territory. He sat under the shade of a tree to rest when the Pakistani Rangers arrived and took him into custody after confiscating his weapons. The incident comes at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. 

India