MCPI (U) opposes move to extend BSF jurisdiction

Doraha, October 21

The Marxist Communist Party of India (United) has opposed the decision of the BJP-led Central Government to extend the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) from 15 km to 50 km, which covers almost half of Punjab’s territorial area, including many districts of the state.

In a joint statement, Kuldip Singh, general secretary and Pawan Kumar Kaushal, Punjab state committee secretary of the MCPI (U), have termed this decision of the Centre as encroachment and attack on the democratic constitutional rights of the state and its people. Under the wake of security and law and order, which is a state subject, the Central Government wants to take away powers of the state governments, which are already reduced to the level of municipalities. It also shows lack of faith in state security forces and the police.

They said it would amount to increased contradictions and confrontation between Central and state forces which would not augur well for the sensitive Border state of Punjab, which has already passed through a traumatic period. — OC