New Delhi [India], March 22 (ANI): Acknowledging that India will be free from Naxalism within a year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah On Friday, they stated that the Modi administration will not accept either terrorism or those who commit acts of terror. It also emphasized that nobody should attempt to execute bombings within the nation, unlike what occurred under the previous UPA government.
The minister, who responded to the debate in Rajya Sabha Regarding the functioning of his administration, he specifically criticized the DMK, stating that certain individuals were employing language as a pretext to conceal their fraudulent activities and corrupt practices.
He stated that the Home Ministry has endeavored to boost the spirits of security forces by fostering solid political determination and enacting a comprehensive legal structure.
The Home Minister indicated that the nation's security, progress, and autonomy have consistently faced three significant issues: terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir He discussed leftist extremism and insurgency in the Northeast as persistent problems that have troubled the nation for nearly forty years. These challenges have not only undermined the country’s security but also slowed down its progress and development.
Shah mentioned that because of these three issues, approximately 92,000 individuals from the nation have perished within a period spanning four decades. He went on to say that prior to Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister in 2014, no unified initiatives were taken towards completely eradicating these deeply entrenched problems. Shah asserted that with the current administration led by Modi, terrorism, Naxalism, and extremism are nearing extinction.
The Home Minister mentioned that previously, in Kashmir, terrorists often crossed over from a nearby nation, carried out bombings and killings, and the response of the previous central administrations toward such events was rather lax.
They would stay quiet, hesitant to voice their opinions, and were concerned about potentially losing support. He pointed out that following Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister, a strict-no-nonsense approach towards terrorism was implemented.
He stated that the government addressed the terrorist incidents in Uri and Pulwama via precise surgical and air assaults.
He went on to say that previously, only Israel and the United States consistently stood prepared to safeguard their territories and military personnel.
He mentioned that India follows suit with this approach today, having adopted a stringent policy with zero tolerance towards terrorism.
The minister stated that the primary source of separatist sentiment in Kashmir could be traced back to Article 370. He pointed out that because of political pressures and electoral considerations, this article remained intact for several years.
He said that in Jammu and Kashmir In Dogri, Hindi, and Urdu, the status of official languages for the state was conferred, an anti-corruption bureau was set up, and all national legislation was likewise enacted within the region.
He likewise noted that Formula 4 car races were hosted in Srinagar, and that the festivities for Krishna Janmashtami occurred at Lal Chowk.
According to the Home Minister, between 2004 and 2014, there were 7,217 acts of terrorism; however, from 2014 to 2024, this figure declined significantly to 2,242 cases. Over these years, fatalities overall fell by 70%, with civilian casualties dropping by 81% and losses among security personnel decreasing by half. Between 2010 and 2014, approximately 2,654 annual occurrences of coordinated rock-throwing took place, yet in 2024, no instances of this activity were reported at all. Similarly, organized protests numbered 132 back then but have ceased entirely today. Rock-throwing events resulted in 112 civilian fatalities and over 6,000 injuries previously, whereas such actions do not occur anymore currently. The statistics show that in 2004, there were 1,587 terrorist activities recorded, which plummeted to merely 85 in 2024. Civilian deaths saw a dramatic reduction from 733 in 2004 down to 26 in 2024, alongside a decrease for security force members’ deaths from 331 in 2004 to only 31 in 2024.
Amit Shah mentioned that in 2015, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi sanctioned 63 initiatives totaling Rs 80,000 crore aimed at developing Kashmir. Of this amount, Rs 51,000 crore has been utilized, resulting in the completion of 53 projects. Additionally, he noted that from 2019 to 2024, approximately 40,000 positions within the public sector were filled. Furthermore, under the Vishwakarma Scheme, around 1.51 lakh OBC students received assistance for entrepreneurship. Moreover, 5,184 youth groups are actively engaged in enhancing vocational skills, and over 18,000 young individuals gained access to personal taxi services.
He went on to say that through the implementation of a compelling industrial policy, investments amounting to Rs 12,000 crores have materialized in Kashmir, along with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) totaling Rs 1,10,000 crores presently under execution. Shri Shah pointed out that over the span of 70 years prior, only Rs 14,000 crores were invested in the area; however, during Prime Minister Modi’s decade-long tenure, these investments have begun generating output, reaching Rs 12,000 crores so far. Additionally, tourism in Kashmir has seen a resurgence, welcoming a historic number of 2.11 crore visitors in 2023. Furthermore, he mentioned that Rs 250 crores have been allocated for enhancing tourism infrastructure.
He said Jammu and Kashmir AIIMS, IITs, and IIMs have been established. Initially, there were just four medical institutions, but currently, there are 15 of them, as well as 15 newly added nursing schools.
He stated that he aimed to duly notify the House that by March 31, 2026, Naxalism would be eliminated from the nation.
The Union Home Minister indicated that from 2004 to 2014, there were 16,463 acts of violence; however, over the last decade, this figure has fallen by 53%. He also noted that during the period from 2004 to 2014, 1,851 security forces lost their lives, whereas in the past ten years, the fatalities among these personnel have been reduced to 509—a decrease of 73%. Additionally, the number of civilians who died declined from 4,766 to 1,495, marking a 70% drop.
The Union Home Minister indicated that between 2014 and 2024, approximately 11,503 kilometers of highways were developed in regions impacted by Naxals. Furthermore, about 20,000 kilometers of rural roads have been constructed. During the initial stage, around 2,343 mobile towers were erected, followed by an additional 2,545 during the subsequent phase. Currently, efforts are underway to install another 4,000 mobile towers. Shri Shah highlighted that full mobile coverage across all affected Naxal zones should be completed by December 1st.
Amit Shah He noted that over the past five years, 1,007 new bank branches have been established in regions affected by Naxalite activities, along with launching 937 ATMs. Furthermore, 5,731 post offices offering banking services were set up. The Skill Development Scheme has expanded across all 48 districts, and a robust division within the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was formed. A total of 1,143 indigenous youth joined the ranks of the security forces. Construction included six helipads designed to expedite medical evacuations from conflict zones to hospitals for treatment and recovery efforts. Consequently, instances of Naxalism appear to be diminishing steadily.
The Home Minister observed that numerous key Naxal leaders were amongst those who died, substantially undermining their overall movement. A large number of Naxalites, for whom bounties amounting to crores of rupees had been placed on their heads, have now surrendered.
The Union Home Minister stated that the government is on the verge of ending the problems in the Northeast as well. He mentioned that there has been a 70% reduction in violent incidents in the region, a 72% decrease in casualties among security personnel, and an 85% reduction in civilian casualties. After coming to power, their government initiated talks with all armed groups. Since 2019, 12 significant peace agreements have been signed. He listed the agreements as an agreement with NLFT (National Liberation Front of Tripura) in 2020, an agreement with the Bru-Reang community in 2021, the Karbi agreement and agreements with tribal organizations and an inter-state border agreement between Assam and Meghalaya in 2022, agreements with DNLA, UNLF, and ULFA, an inter-state border agreement between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in 2023 along with agreements with Tipra and NLFT, as well as ATTFA in 2024. This series of agreements reflects the government's ongoing efforts to bring peace to the region.
Amit Shah indicated that the administration has considerably bolstered connectivity in the North-East through an investment of Rs 81,900 crore in railways, Rs 41,500 crore in national highways, and Rs 47,000 crore in village roads.
Moreover, 64 new air routes and helicopter paths have been established. He highlighted that this development has not just shortened the geographical distance between Delhi and the North-East but has also narrowed the emotional divide.
Amit Shah stated that 57 individuals have been labeled as terrorists and 23 groups have been classified as illegal organizations. From 2019 to 2024, the authorities outlawed the most significant 14 organizations associated with Hurriyat. He noted that Hurriyat, formerly utilized as an intermediary for negotiations with Pakistan, has now been dissolved. Additionally, he pointed out that the administration has prohibited the Popular Front of India (PFI) and carried out searches nationwide, making sure all members of the PFI faced arrest. He added, There were some who aimed to act like Bhindranwale in Punjab; we responded by incarcerating them in Assam.
Amit Shah highlighted that legal actions have been initiated through the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against 25 distinct threats, encompassing left-wing extremism, terrorist activities in Kashmir, counterfeit Indian currency, connections between narcotics and terrorism, Khalistan-related extremism, attempts at radicalization, funding for terrorists, and illicit weapons trading. Additionally, he mentioned that issues like human trafficking posing risks to national security, cyberterrorism, abuse of the Explosives Act, and revisions to the Arms Act have been tackled. By consolidating all these 25 aspects within the purview of the NIA, the administration has successfully established an extensive legal structure aimed at addressing various security challenges.
Amit Shah mentioned that 1,244 new roles have been added within the National Investigation Agency (NIA), along with the opening of 16 additional branch offices and the establishment of two new zonal headquarters. He highlighted that none of the 652 cases overseen by the agency were deemed unwarranted by the Supreme Court. Of those cases, charge sheets were submitted for 516 instances, 157 matters were fully addressed, and convictions were secured in 150 situations. Consequently, this has achieved an unprecedented conviction rate of 95%, making it the best globally amongst similar counter-terrorism organizations. Shri Amit Shah He also stated that the NIA has teamed up with DRDO to get ready for potential terrorist attacks involving chemicals, nuclear materials, and biological agents. Furthermore, he pointed out that the NIA’s global engagement has grown thanks to various accords, including an agreement made with the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL). This collaboration aims at establishing a specialized unit focused on combating terrorism activities.
The minister indicated that drug use is a significant issue; however, the government cannot tackle this challenge single-handedly. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, the administration has made it clear that individuals consuming drugs are seen as victims of the situation, whereas those involved in selling drugs are considered criminals.
Amit Shah emphasized that from 2004 to 2014, 25 lakh kilograms of narcotics were confiscated, but this figure rose to more than one crore kilograms between 2014 and 2024.
He pointed out that forensic science has received considerable attention in the updated criminal legislation. Starting now, anyone facing charges with penalties exceeding seven years must make a compulsory trip to the forensic laboratory. The revised statutes also impose stringent deadlines on law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judicial bodies to expedite legal proceedings. In this vein, he stated that prolonged hold-ups resulting from multiple postponements would become obsolete because both defense teams and prosecuting attorneys will only be permitted up to two continuances.
The Home Minister stated that the administration has adopted a multifaceted approach regarding forensic science, encompassing several key areas: enhancing facilities, developing skilled personnel, obtaining cutting-edge global forensic technology, and encouraging research and development initiatives.
He stated that the government has implemented a multi-faceted approach within the realm of forensic science. The plan encompasses enhancing facilities, developing skills and staffing, offering access to cutting-edge global forensic technologies, and fostering R&D initiatives. Notably, he highlighted the creation of the National Forensic Science University, which now offers doctoral programs across 72 distinct disciplines. At present, approximately 5,137 students are registered; however, this figure is expected to surge to 35,000 over the next couple of years with the planned establishment of forensic science institutions in 14 states. (ANI)
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