Pakistan on Wednesday returned an Indian border guard who had been captured following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April that left 26 people dead, according to India`s paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF).
The attack, which occurred near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam on April 22, triggered a four-day military standoff between India and Pakistan, ending in a ceasefire on Saturday.
The BSF confirmed in a statement that soldier Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been held by Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was formally handed back to Indian authorities.
The transfer was carried out “peacefully and in line with established protocols,” the statement said.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, India accused Pakistan of supporting the assailants, leading to a spike in diplomatic tensions and the exchange of strong statements between the two nations.
Pakistan has denied the allegations and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
