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Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the BJP-led government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism during a discussion on the workings of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday.
Shah emphasized that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, the government has taken decisive actions to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and sovereignty of India.
Shah outlined the three major security challenges India has faced over the past four decades – terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir (J-K), insurgency in the Northeast, and Left-wing Naxalism.
These threats, he stated, have significantly hindered the country’s development and claimed the lives of over 92,000 citizens.
“Prior to 2014, India’s security and sovereignty were under constant threat from terrorism and insurgency. The previous governments failed to take decisive action,” Shah said, adding that the Modi administration has been the first to adopt a strategic approach to counter these threats.
Amit Shah Strategic Approach To Counter Terrorism
Shah criticized previous governments for their lack of action on terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where cross-border terrorism was rampant.
He explained that terrorists used to infiltrate Kashmir, carrying out bombings and murders without effective countermeasures.
“Under previous governments, terrorism was allowed to flourish. However, when PM Modi took office, the government adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism,” Shah declared.
He highlighted key military actions like the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, which were carried out in response to the Uri and Pulwama attacks, respectively.
“After the attacks on Uri and Pulwama, we didn’t wait. Within 10 days, we responded with surgical and airstrikes,” Shah added.
India Joins Elite Nations In Protecting Its Borders
Shah also praised India’s growing reputation for protecting its soldiers and borders, comparing the country to Israel and the United States.
“India has now joined Israel and the US as one of the nations that firmly defends its soldiers and borders,” Shah said.
He attributed this shift in policy to PM Modi’s leadership, stating that India now stands resolute in its commitment to safeguarding its people and sovereignty.
The Historic Revocation Of Article 370
One of the most significant moves made by the Modi government, according to Shah, was the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
He described this as a historic decision that ended separatism in Kashmir and fully integrated the region into India.
Shah expressed gratitude to the framers of the Indian Constitution, who had made Article 370 a temporary provision, enabling its eventual removal.
“Article 370 was the root cause of separatism in Kashmir. Thanks to the foresight of our Constitution’s framers, we were able to remove it,” Shah said.
Peaceful Elections And A Surge In Tourism
The Home Minister laud the peaceful conduct of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that for the first time, no violence report during the 2024 elections.
“Not a single bullet was fired during the 2024 elections, and there were no reports of booth rigging,” he noted.
Shah further highlighted the positive impact of the revocation of Article 370 on tourism in the region.
“In 2023, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a record-breaking 2.11 crore tourists, the highest number since independence,” Shah stated.
He also mentioned the private investments worth Rs 250 crore in the tourism sector and the introduction of cruise services on Dal Lake.
Development Projects In Kashmir
Shah pointed out that under PM Modi’s leadership, the government launched 63 development projects worth Rs 80,000 crore in Kashmir in 2015.
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He emphasized that these projects were a long-overdue initiative to address the region’s economic issues.
“Even if we spent a little less, at least we had the courage to allocate funds for these projects,” he said, adding that Rs 51,000 crore of the allocated amount has already been spent, and 53 out of 63 projects have been successfully implemented.
Emerging Threats And The Need For Reform
Shah also discussed how crimes like narcotics trafficking, cybercrime, organized crime, and hawala operations have expanded beyond state borders, becoming interstate and even multi-state issues.
He explained that these evolving threats required updates in India’s security strategy, particularly in the MHA’s approach to national security.
“With crimes now spanning multiple states and even international borders, it is essential to make necessary reforms to address these challenges effectively,” Shah said.
He expressed pride in the reforms implemented by the Modi government over the past 10 years to strengthen national security.
Acknowledging The Efforts Of Security Forces
In his concluding remarks, Shah extended his gratitude to state police forces and paramilitary units, acknowledging their crucial role in safeguarding India’s internal security and border protection.
He emphasized that their sacrifices were vital in ensuring the nation’s safety.
Conclusion: A Renewed Focus On National Security
As the Modi government continues to tackle security challenges, Shah reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding the safety, sovereignty, and development of India through decisive actions and comprehensive reforms.
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