Farmers Movement Archive

Punjab to hold special House session to oppose BSF order

Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday announced that a special session of the legislative assembly will be convened on November 8 to oppose the Union government’s recent notification on expanding the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the state, adding that issues regarding the three central farm laws will also be discussed.“We will convene a special Vidhan Sabha session on November 8 to decide on the BSF jurisdiction and farmers’ issues,” Channi told reporters after chairing a cabinet meeting in Ludhiana. Demanding the withdrawal of the notification extending the jurisdiction of the BSF from 15 km to 50 km along the International Border, Channi said, “If the Centre does not withdraw its notification on the BSF range, we will be forced to stop it by November 8.”“We will also be moving the Supreme Court if nothing is done,” the CM added.On Tuesday, the chief minister convened an all-party meeting on the issue, which was attended by the representatives of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), besides the ruling Congress. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party boycotted the meeting, saying there was no conflict between BSF and Punjab Police.Senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia said, “The BSF is a concurrent list subject. Along with the BSF, Punjab Police can also carry out searches and register cases. Drones are used to smuggle weapons and drugs and to stop these illegal activities, BSF jurisdiction has been widened.”Announcing a slew of measures for the state industry ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit, 2021, Channi said the Cabinet has decided to abolish institutional tax, a long-pending demand of the industry.

Hindustan Times

28-10-2021

India