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MHA: BSF’s jurisdictional power extended to secure border areas

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Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, October 14

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The Centre’s decision to give additional jurisdictional powers to the Border Security Force (BSF) within the 50-km belt along the international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh has created a political storm, with several political parties in Punjab and West Bengal terming it an “attack on federalism”.

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Also read: Capt Amarinder Singh to blame for more powers to BSF: Pargat Singh

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Border residents fume, fear harassment by central force

A notification by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued on October 11 conferred on BSF officers the power to arrest, search, and seize 50 km inside Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.

Attack on federalism

The Centre’s decision transgresses upon the constitutional public order and policing remit of states. Half of Punjab will now fall under the BSF’s jurisdiction. —Manish Tewari, Congress MP from Punjab

It is an infringement on the rights of the state. What was the sudden need to enhance the BSF’s jurisdiction without informing the West Bengal Government? —Kunal Ghosh, TMS spokesperson

A senior MHA official said, “The order is aimed at establishing uniformity in defining the area within which the BSF can operate as per its charter of duties and execute its task of guarding borders. This will also enable improved operational effectiveness in securing the International Border (IB).”

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More powers to BSF: Decision in Punjab’s interest, says Ex-minister Dr Harbans Lal

Noting that the MHA has issued the notification amending the BSF Act, 1968, the official said that earlier, these limits were different in different states. In Gujarat, it was 80 km, while it was 50 km in case of Rajasthan, and 15 km in Punjab, Bengal, Assam and Tripura. Under Section 139 of the Act, the Centre has the authority to notify the area and extent of operation of the BSF, he added.

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