NEW DELHI: In the middle of a ceasefire announced between India and Pakistan, the wife of a soldier of the border security force (BSF) captured by Pakistan last month raised a poignant plea in the Indian government: “Give me my Sindoor.” Rajani Sau, pregnant and mourning, expressed his anxiety about the continuous uncertainty surrounding her husband, the fate of Purnam Sau.
The 34 -year -old BSF soldier was arrested by Pakistani forces on April 23 after inadvertently crossed the international border while helping farmers in Firozpur, Punjab. Its capture followed increased tensions between India and Pakistan, which degenerated after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam which killed 26 tourists. A photograph published by Pakistan has shown that Purnam has blindfolded, confirming its capture.
Rajani, who spoke for the last time to her husband on the night of April 22, awaited the news from her return but received no update from the authorities. The family, residing in Rishra, in Western Bengal, is deeply in distress, with Rajani decomposing to the simple mention of “the Sindoor operation”, the military operation which followed the escalation of hostilities.
In his emotional appeal, Rajani shouted for the return of his “Sindoor”, a symbol of his matrimonial state, meaning the gravity of his distress. Purnam’s family expressed their frustration in the face of the lack of updates despite the first military insurance, with their father, Bhola Sau, and his mother expressing feelings of abandonment.
The incident has united to the local community of Rishra, where residents continue to visit the SAU family home, pending the news of the safe return of Purnam. Political leaders, including chief minister Mamata Banerjee and the deputy for Hooghly, Kalyan Banerjee, expressed hope for rapid resolution and raised the issue with BSF commanders.
