Discuss the centrality and potential issues surrounding the extension of the Border Security Force's (BSF) territorial jurisdiction in states adjacent to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Central Government recently had blended BSF jurisdiction of BSF from 50km to 50km of international border between it in states adjoining Pakistan and Bangladesh border. Necessity of the extension of jurisdiction: Rising number of threats emanating from border areas like drug trafficking, human trafficking, etc. New threats also emerging from sea domain, i.e. use of drones to smuggle arms and drugs across border. Enhanced jurisdiction will improve BSF to plan its operations, enhance operational efficiency and tackle emerging challenges.

It will lead to single point of command and improved co-ordination and reduce fragmented conflict with state police. Potential Issues in extending jurisdiction: Federal Challenge: Law and Order is state subject. Hence, extension of BSF jurisdiction for search and seizure is seen as encroachment on power of states. This may lead to overlapping jurisdiction between BSF and state police leading to confusion and conflict. Overlap of jurisdiction makes it difficult to establish accountability. May also lead to duplication of effort and wastage of limited resources. There are potential issues and all challenges should be to ensure BSF co-ordinates with states and police function in co-ordinated way may table overlapping threats.