The Punjab Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution against the Centre’s notification that extended the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF), calling it an “insult” to the state police and seeking its withdrawal.

The House unanimously passed the resolution “rejecting” the Narendra Modi government’s order in the absence of the only two BJP members.

The Union government had last month amended the BSF Act to authorise the border guarding force to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a 50km stretch, up from the existing 15km, from the international border in Punjab, Bengal and Assam.

The resolution was moved by Punjab deputy chief minister and Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. It stated that “Punjab is a land of martyrs… they have made exemplary sacrifices in our country’s freedom struggle”.

“Punjab police is a unique patriotic force which has contributed immensely in maintaining the unity and integrity of the country. As per the Constitution of India, maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the state government and for this purpose, the government of Punjab is fully competent,” the resolution said.

“The decision of extending the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) from 15km to 50km by the Union government is an expression of distrust towards the state police and people of Punjab. This is their insult too,” it added.

The resolution further said the central government should have consulted the state before taking such a major decision, adding that the law-and-order situation in Punjab was totally under control and there was no need to extend the jurisdiction of the BSF.

“All the political parties of Punjab have unanimously condemned the decision of the Union government and have demanded that the Union government should withdraw the notification dated 11.10.2021 issued by the ministry of home affairs, government of India.

“Therefore, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously resolves that a resolution rejecting the notification of the central government in this regard may be passed,” it said.

Randhawa termed the Centre’s notification on extending the BSF’s jurisdiction an “attack on the federal structure”. He also said that the Assembly members should meet Prime Minister Modi over the issue.

Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia told the House that the Congress-led government in Punjab should pass a decision that the Punjab police would not cooperate with the BSF beyond 15km from the border.

Chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi sought the support of all political parties over the issue, saying it was a joint fight.