New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) has been given more power by the central government amid controversy. Three states were authorized to search and arrest within 50 kilometers of the international border. The BSF has gained more power in the border states of Assam, Bengal and Punjab, which border Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The Punjab Chief Minister and others came out against it. Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has accused the move of undermining the federal system. He also demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah be prepared to abandon the move. The Center explained that the BSF was given more power to prevent activities affecting national security.
Previously, it was authorized to carry out inspections up to 15 km from the international border within the country. The BSF will also gain more power in Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur and Ladakh. In Gujarat, it was reduced from 80 km to 50 km.
In Rajasthan, the limit was already 50 km. However, in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the distance limit has not been fixed. With the new notification, the BSF will be able to conduct inspections and record arrests without the help or knowledge of the local police.
English Summary: Centre enhances powers of BSF
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