West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday slammed the Centre for extending the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force. Banerjee alleged that the move is an attempt to intervene in the federal structure of the country. Though the BSF Act earlier authorized the force to search, seize and arrest only within 15 km from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, this has now been increased to a larger 50 km stretch. However, the state, which shares an international border with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, has no problems along the border areas, Banerjee said.
"About the BSF matter, we have sent a letter protesting the move. Earlier, they had jurisdiction of 15 km, there were incidents of firing in Balurghat or Cooch Behar. Now, they extended it to 50 km. This is an attempt to interfere into the federal structure of the country," Banerjee said at an administrative review meeting.
"We do not have problems in the border areas and share very cordial relations (with neighbouring countries). There is no need to create this confusion. Law and order is a state subject. BSF must look after what they are responsible for and we will have total support for that," she said.
Banerjee on Sunday also appealed to PM Modi to immediately withdraw the Union Home Ministry's notification extending the jurisdiction of BSF.