On Wednesday, the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) was increased by the Union Home Ministry on the India-Pakistan border with Punjab, then two veteran Congress leaders in the state, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, and former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh clashed. Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is opposing this decision of the central government, while former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh is openly supporting this decision of the government.
Let us inform you that while issuing a new guideline on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs has given many powers like search and arrest to the BSF in the area up to 50 km from the border of the country in West Bengal, Punjab, and Assam. In such a situation, there is a political outcry in Punjab on increasing the jurisdiction of BSF.
Opposing this decision of the Central Government, the Chief Minister of Punjab has tweeted, 'I oppose this unilateral decision of the Central Government, under which additional powers have been given to BSF within 50 km of the International Border. This is a direct attack on federalism. I appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to immediately withdraw this illogical decision.
Simultaneously, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has also opposed the decision of the Central Government. He said that the Center would allow BSF officers to have powers of police officers without consulting the State Governments. He said that there were no justifiable reasons for the Government of India to unilaterally change the existing arrangements other than undermining the spirit of the state government and federalism.
At the same time, former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder has appreciated this decision. He said – our soldiers were martyred in Kashmir. We see that Pakistani-backed terrorist organizations are sending arms and drugs in large quantities to Punjab. In such a case, the increased presence and strength of the BSF will make us stronger.
