CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statements on October 16

Withdraw BSF Jurisdiction Extension

THE decision of the central government to extend the jurisdiction of the Border Security force (BSF) upto 50 kilometres inside the international borders in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam from the earlier 15 kilometres jurisdiction is an encroachment on the rights of the states and the federal principle.

The central government has taken this decision to extend the jurisdiction of the central police force without consulting the states.  Policing and law and order is a state subject and this decision violates federalism, a basic feature of our constitution.

The CPI(M) demands that this decision be withdrawn. 

Communal Violence in Bangladesh

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its serious concern over the outbreak of communal violence and clashes during the Durga Puja period in Bangladesh. 

The Bangladesh government has deployed forces to quell the violence and assured that justice will be delivered punishing those responsible for triggering this communal violence. At least four people have reportedly lost their lives in police firing and several arrested in a countrywide crackdown. 

Bengalis, for centuries, have observed the Puja festivities in a harmonious manner irrespective of people’s religious beliefs.  Bangladesh observed this tradition all along.  The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) hopes  that this tradition will be maintained and strengthened.

The rise in the activities of the religious fundamentalism is of common concern to many countries in our region.  Government of Bangladesh must make all efforts to restore peace, normalcy and tranquility.