New Delhi [India], March 21 (ANI): Interior Minister Amit Shah stated on Friday that ever since taking office in 2014, the BJP-run administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has upheld a strict zero-tolerance stance towards terrorism.
Responding to the conversation about how something operates Ministry of Home Affairs In the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Shah stated that India encountered three significant hurdles related to security, development, and sovereignty throughout the last forty years: terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir (J-K), insurgency in the northeastern region, and left-wing extremism known as Naxalism. Additionally, he highlighted that the current Modi administration has implemented firm measures aimed at eliminating these dangers and safeguarding the nation’s safety.
"When the Narendra Modi administration assumed office, numerous historical challenges were present. The nation’s safety, progress, and autonomy encountered obstacles because of three significant problems. These hurdles impeded the country's advancement," he stated, further mentioning that as a result of these security risks, 92,000 individuals lost their lives.
Shah condemned earlier administrations for not taking decisive steps against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Modi administration was the first to adopt a strategic method to combat cross-border terror.
"To begin with, let me discuss Kashmir. In the past, terrorists would infiltrate Kashmir from an adjacent nation, carrying out bombings and killings within the region. No festivity could ever pass without concern. The central governments exhibited leniency towards this issue; they remained silent for fear of losing votes. However, since Prime Minister Modi assumed office, our stance has been unequivocally firm against terror," he stated.
Emphasizing significant military operations, he mentioned the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, both of which were immediate reactions from India following the Uri and Pulwama assaults. “Even after taking office, we faced attacks — such as those at Uri and Pulwama,” Shah stated. “Within ten days, we retaliated through surgical strikes and air raids. Our unwavering stance against terrorism began right then.”
He went on to say that India has now become part of an exclusive group with Israel and the United States—nations known for staunchly safeguarding both their troops and territories. "Across the globe, only two countries have consistently been prepared to defend their forces and frontiers: Israel and the U.S.,” Narendra Modi stated, then highlighted India’s addition to this roster.
Shah acknowledged the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, as a significant step that put an end to separatist tendencies in Kashmir. He showed appreciation to the drafters of the Constitution for designating Article 370 as a provisional measure, enabling the Modi administration to annul it and completely incorporate J-K within India.
"As everyone knows, Article 370 served as the foundation for separatist movements in Kashmir. I would like to express my gratitude to the architects of our Constitution who designed Article 370 with a provisional nature. On August 5, 2019, we repealed Article 370," he stated.
Shah mentioned that elections in Kashmir now take place without violence. He noted, “No shots were fired during the 2024 elections, and there have been no reports of ballot box manipulation. In the past, politicians from New Delhi used to travel there just to accept the victory certificates as locals remained indoors. Today, an impressive 98 percent of residents participate in voting. The credit goes to Prime Minister Modi for establishing democratic practices in Kashmir,” he stated.
"The influx of tourists to Kashmir has increased significantly following the repeal of Article 370. During 2023, a total of 2,11,80,011 visitors traveled to Jammu and Kashmir—the largest figure recorded since India gained independence. Additionally, private investments amounting to Rs 250 crore have flowed into the tourism industry, and a new boat tour service was introduced on Dal Lake," he stated.
"For several years, Kashmir's treasury was depleted. However, in 2015, Prime Minister Modi initiated 63 projects valued at ₹80,000 crores. Critics have challenged this expenditure; yet, even if slightly reduced, it demonstrates our boldness in allocating resources—unlike under your administration when such allocations were non-existent." Shah further stated that so far, ₹51,000 crores out of the total ₹80,000 crores have been utilized with 53 out of the 63 projects being completed successfully.
Shah highlighted that crime has transcended national boundaries, turning issues like drug trafficking, cybercrimes, gang-related organized crimes, and hawala networks into matters of interstate and sometimes multistate importance.
The Constitution assigns responsibility for law and order to individual states, whereas border and internal security come under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This division is appropriate, and no alterations are necessary. However, with states managing law and order over 76 years, we have reached a point where various types of criminal activities—such as drug trafficking, cybercrimes, organized crime syndicates, and hawala transactions—are no longer confined within state boundaries but span multiple states instead, he explained.
"None of these criminal activities occur solely within a single state. Many offenses transpire across the nation, sometimes even originating from beyond our borders. Considering all of this, it is crucial to revise the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). With great pride, I can say that over the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enacted overdue reforms to the MHA aimed at bolstering national security," he emphasized.
Shah likewise conveyed his thanks to the state police and paramilitary units, recognizing their efforts in enhancing India’s internal security and safeguarding borders. (ANI)
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