12-May-2025,01:40 PM Pawan Khera has called on the Indian government to intensify efforts for the release of Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Sahu, allegedly detained near the border during recent cross-border tensions. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Khera also slammed former U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent remarks concerning Indiaโs posture in its standoff with Pakistan, calling them โuninformed and dangerous.โ
Kheraโs statements have ignited national debate, drawing attention to the fate of the detained soldier and sparking criticism of Trumpโs comments from multiple political and strategic circles.
Pawan Khera Demands Government Action on Purnam Sahu’s Detention
โIndia Must Prioritize Its Soldiers Above All Else,โ Says Pawan Khera
Speaking to reporters, Pawan Khera emphasized the need for swift and transparent action from the Modi government regarding the alleged detention of BSF jawan Purnam Sahu, who reportedly went missing during routine patrol operations near a sensitive border zone.
โWe cannot afford to be casual when it comes to the lives of our soldiers. Purnam Sahu is not just a nameโhe is a symbol of duty and patriotism. The government must act swiftly and bring him back with honor,โ Khera said.
He also questioned why there had been no official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs or the Ministry of Defence detailing the incident and what steps were being taken to secure Sahuโs return.
Pawan Khera Criticizes Trump for โRecklessโ Comments on India-Pakistan Tensions
โTrumpโs Views Are Outdated and Dangerous,โ States Pawan Khera
Pawan Khera didnโt hold back when referring to Donald Trumpโs recent comments, in which the former U.S. President suggested that India might be โoverreactingโ in its military responses to Pakistani provocations.
Khera responded sharply: โIt is deeply unfortunate that a former leader of a major democracy would offer such a careless assessment of a volatile regional conflict. Trump’s comments only embolden forces hostile to India.โ
He further noted that Trump has a history of mischaracterizing the nature of South Asian geopolitics, and that his interventions have consistently lacked nuance and factual understanding.
Pawan Khera Calls for International Diplomatic Intervention
โUse Every Global Platform Available,โ Urges Pawan Khera
Pawan Khera urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to not only take internal administrative steps but also escalate the matter internationally. According to Khera, the Indian government should actively raise the issue at platforms like the United Nations, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and directly with influential global allies.
โThis is not the time for soft diplomacy. The international community must be made aware of how our soldiers are being targeted, detained, and held without due process,โ Khera emphasized.
He suggested that pressure should be applied on Pakistan through global forums to ensure Sahuโs safe return and to deter future incidents.
Family of Purnam Sahu Pleads for Help
Khera Promises Support to the Soldierโs Kin
The family of BSF jawan Purnam Sahu, who hails from a village in Chhattisgarh, has expressed deep distress at the lack of official communication regarding his status. In their appeals to the media, Sahuโs parents and siblings urged the government to act decisively and secure his release.
Pawan Khera visited the family via video call and extended his moral and political support. โThis is not just a fight for one family. It is a fight for every family that sends its son to protect our borders. We are with them,โ he said.
Political Response to Pawan Kheraโs Statement
Growing Cross-Party Solidarity
While Pawan Khera was among the first political leaders to raise the issue at a national level, his concerns have now been echoed by leaders from other parties. Shiv Sena, AAP, and even some members of the BJP have called for a swift resolution to the case.
โThis issue should not be politicized. A soldierโs safety is above all political affiliations,โ Khera stated when asked about the bipartisan support.
He further urged Parliament to convene a special discussion on the matter if no substantial update was made within the next few days.
Social Media Mobilization Gains Traction
Hashtags like #BringBackPurnam and #JusticeForSahu Trending
In the aftermath of Pawan Kheraโs passionate press address, social media exploded with calls for action. Hashtags such as #BringBackPurnam, #StandWithBSF, and #JusticeForSahu have been trending on Twitter and Instagram.
Veterans, civil society groups, and celebrities have also joined the campaign, increasing public pressure on the government to act quickly. Many netizens praised Khera for being a voice for the voiceless.
Indiaโs Strategic Position on Border Incidents
Khera: โPolicy Must Be Proactive, Not Reactiveโ
Pawan Khera also took the opportunity to critique Indiaโs broader strategic posture, suggesting that the country must move from a reactive to a proactive stance when dealing with hostile actions across the Line of Control (LoC).
โWe canโt wait for the fire to start before we look for water. Our response mechanisms must evolve to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place,โ he remarked.
Conclusion: A Test of Governance and Patriotism
The case of Purnam Sahuโs detention has become more than just a border incidentโitโs now a litmus test for Indiaโs commitment to its armed forces and their families. Pawan Kheraโs vocal leadership on the issue has reignited a national conversation about soldier welfare, diplomatic strength, and international responsibility.
As the nation waits for concrete action, one thing is clear: the spotlight is firmly on the Modi government. With voices like Pawan Khera leading the charge, the pressure to actโand act fastโis only intensifying.
Source : ANI