Punjab CM under attack as BSF jurisdiction increased along border states

New Delhi : The Centre's move to extend Border Security Force's jurisdiction alongside three states has ignited an internal war in Congress in Punjab.

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi lashed out at the decision as he came under attack from his own party, days after his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

According to the latest order from the Centre, the BSF jurisdiction in West Bengal, Punjab and Assam will be expanded from 15 km to a belt of 50 km within and along the boundary. With this BSF will be allowed to arrest, carry out searches and make seizures over a region.

"I strongly condemn the government's unilateral decision to give additional powers to BSF within 50 km belt running along the international borders, which is a direct attack on the federalism. I urge the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to immediately roll back this irrational decision," Mr Channi tweeted, amid a massive backlash.

"We condemn this decision. It is an infringement on the federal structure and will create an atmosphere of fear in Punjab. People will not tolerate this," said his deputy and Punjab Home Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa.

"Punjab has never seen communal violence. We urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to disturb the peace of the state," Mr Randhawa added.

Meanwhile, Mr Jhakar alleged that Mr Channi unknowingly handed over half of Punjab to the Centre. "Be careful what you ask for! Has Charanjit Channi unwittingly managed to hand over half of Punjab to the central government? 25,000 square km (out of total 50,000 square km) has now been placed under BSF jurisdiction. Punjab Police stands castigated. Do we still want more autonomy to states," tweeted Mr Jakhar.

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