Punjab unanimously passes resolution rejecting Centre’s order on BSF jurisdiction

TIL Desk/National/Chandigarh/ The Punjab assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution against the Centre’s notification that extended the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force, calling it an “insult” to the state police and seeking its withdrawal. The House unanimously passed the resolution “rejecting” the Centre’s order in the absence of the only two BJP members of the state assembly.

The Union government had last month amended the BSF Act to authorise the border guarding force to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a 50 km stretch, up from the existing 15 km, from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.

The resolution was moved by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. It stated that “Punjab is a land of martyrs… they have made exemplary sacrifices in our country’s freedom struggle”.

“Punjab police is a unique patriotic force which has contributed immensely in maintaining the unity and integrity of the country. As per the Constitution of India, maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the state government and for this purpose, Government of Punjab is fully competent.

“The decision of extending the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) from 15 km to 50 km by the Union Government is an expression of distrust towards the state Police and people of Punjab. This is their insult too,” the resolution stated.