The Border Security Force (BSF) can now search, seize and arrest within a 50 kilometre stretch from the International Border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.
This has become possible following an amendment to the BSF act by the Centre.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Earlier, the BSF was authorised to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a stretch of just 15 kms.
While, Punjab shares front with Pakistan, Assam and West Bengal have international border with Bangladesh.
Also read: 3.3 magnitude earthquake shakes eastern Assam
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
The ministry of home affairs had issued a notification in this regard on October 11.
“The amendment effected on October 11 establishes uniformity in defining the area within which Border Security Force can operate as per its charter of duties and execution of its role and task of border guarding in its areas of deployment,” the BSF said in a statement.
It added: “This will also enable improved operational effectiveness in curbing trans-border crime and to an extent of 50 km from the international boundary within the states of states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, running along the borders of India.”