The Home Ministry has modified the power of the Border security force’s (BSF) area to conduct search, seizure, and make arrests in the Indian states of Punjab, Assam, and West Bengal.
In the state of Gujarat, the New modification decreases the area of operation to 50km from 80km earlier. These powers can be utilized in the borders of India with the international borders.
In Punjab, Assam, and West Bengal the areas have increased from 15 km to 50 km. In the case of North-Eastern states, the area remains unchanged.
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This modification was done after 7 years when the last modification was done on 3rd July 2014 by the NDA government. This is considered as a means to gain control of areas by the central government by the opposition. They have even called it an attack on the constitution’s federal structure for the country.
The limits of the Border area where these powers shall be exercised are laid down according to population density, crime rate, and the impact of police personnel. These remote border areas are a crucial aspect of the country’s security.
For Gujarat and Rajasthan, the area was decreased because the borders in this state have less population. This makes it easy for BSF to operate and get hold of criminals in these states. The modification is done because there is less police presence in these areas and the only enforcing agency is BSF. Even the presence of BSF will better assist the police personnel in those borders. In Punjab, Assam, and West Bengal there is more population density.
The present circumstances-
In the last 50 years, there have been a lot of changes in terms of security issues, concerns, and population density. The population has increased drastically. There will be less confusion in BSF operations after the new modification of the police and BSF work in coordination. But, this can create problems in the speed and secrecy of the work.
The possible consequences-
It is crucial to note that BSF deployed at the border outposts will have to withdraw. The withdrawal is necessary to make them operate in the interior area, making the border vulnerable. It can increase infiltration and crimes.
Some may say that this issue was also applicable earlier. But BSF has rarely used those powers. It did not make use of the available powers due to lack of terrain knowledge and resources with police procedures understanding for operating in interiors. They are more familiar with border terrain and resources.
Another angle is that the states of Punjab and West Bengal do not come under the Armed forces special power act. With (AFSPA) the BSF is unable to operate with independence. It will have to partner with the police for carrying out operations. This is a drawback in case of quick action. Even the BSF has to follow a particular procedure for the detention of the suspected people. Also, they will have to be handed over to the police within 24 hours.
In the case of intelligence, BSF resources get information about cross border criminals and criminals in close connection with the border. But, gathering intelligence from a 50 km area in areas of a high population will require more resources. This calls for increased use of personnel and technology and BSF will have to make use of more intelligence resources and agency.
Many opine that this is necessary because recently there has been an alternation in border threats. The threats have taken a new form of drones and tunnels in the borders. But providing police powers to BSF in those interior areas is not a solution to these threats. Instead, they use of counter technology for tunnel detection and interception of drones will be more useful.
Meanwhile, Congress and TMC have criticized the government for this decision. Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi has urged the HM to take back the decision. In return the BJP slammed the opposition, charging it with satisfying its vote Bank.
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