Punjab CM condemns Centre's decision to extend BSF's jurisdiction
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Monday condemned the Government of India's decision to expand the BSF's jurisdiction to 50 km inside the state.
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Monday condemned the Government of India's decision to expand the BSF's jurisdiction to 50 km inside the state.
Reacting to Centres' move Charanjit Singh Channi said the decision was illogical and authoritarian.
"I strongly oppose and condemn the Government of India's authoritarian decision to illogically expand the BSF's jurisdiction to 50 km inside the Punjab territory. People of Punjab are greatly offended by this unilateral action. This is an anti-democratic and anti-federal decision by Modi Government," said Channi.
In a tweet, he said, "All Punjabis must be united in this fight for upholding Punjab's constitutional dignity and federal autonomy. If necessary, we shall convene a special session of Vidhan Sabha to address this matter".
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to extend the BSF’s jurisdiction from 15 km to 50 km inside the international border along with Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. The Centre claimed that the extended jurisdiction of BSF was meant to “improve operational efficiency” and “crack down on smuggling rackets”.
In a gazette notification issued Monday, the Ministry said it was amending an earlier notification of 2014 on jurisdiction of the BSF to exercise its powers in states where it guards the international border.
