BSF jurisdiction row: Restore status quo, Punjab CM Channi writes to PM

Chandigarh, October 22

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a relook and restore the status quo that existed before the Centre’s October 11 notification so as to enable the BSF and Punjab Police to work together against anti-national forces for safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. He also sought Prime Minister’s appointment on this issue.

In a letter to the PM, Channi said the BSF was trained to perform its primary duty of guarding and securing the International Border and act as the first line of defence.

He said policing in the hinterland was the duty and responsibility of the state/local police. Moreover, the Punjab Police were a professional force, competent to handle any law and order situation within the state.

The CM reminded the PM that the state police had dealt with terrorism effectively in the past, which would not have been possible without effective coordination between state and central agencies. He said joint operations had been conducted successfully against drug traffickers and terror modules because of excellent coordination between the BSF and Punjab Police in the recent past.

Meanwhile, the CM has called an all-party meeting on October 25 to discuss the issue. — TNS