Pakistan Rangers detain Indian soldier amid rising Kashmir tensions

Amid growing tensions between Pakistan and India following a recent attack on tourists in Indian-occupied Kashmir, the Pakistan Rangers have detained an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier after he accidentally crossed into Pakistani territory.

A senior Pakistani official confirmed that the soldier, identified as Constable P.K. Singh of the 182nd battalion, was apprehended after crossing the border in the Kasur district. The incident reportedly occurred on April 23 afternoon, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to the official, Constable Singh entered Pakistani territory near the Ferozepur Road border unintentionally while taking a break in the shade. The soldier, in full uniform and carrying his service rifle, was taken into custody by the Pakistan Rangers shortly after crossing the border. 

Indian media outlets have reported that Constable Singh's crossing was inadvertent and that he was unaware of his mistake. The reports suggest that he had paused to rest during his patrol and, without realising, strayed across the international boundary, leading to his detention. 

In response to the incident, Indian media also mentioned that a flag meeting was convened between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers at the Attari-Wagah border to discuss the terms for Constable Singh’s release. Such meetings are typically held to address incidents along the border and to ease tensions between the two nations.

The detainment comes at a particularly sensitive time, with relations between India and Pakistan already strained due to the recent attack on tourists in Kashmir. Both sides have yet to comment on the long-term implications of the incident for cross-border relations.

By Naila Huseynova