Terrorism declines by 70% in J&K: Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while replying to the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Rajya Sabha on Friday, emphasized the Modi government’s achievements in combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). He asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 fulfilled the vision of India’s Constitution framers, ensuring "one Constitution, one flag" for the entire nation.

Highlighting the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, Shah criticized previous administrations for their leniency, asserting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, security measures had been significantly strengthened. He cited figures to support his claims, stating that between 2004 and 2014, there were 7,217 terror incidents in J&K, whereas between 2014 and 2024, the number had dropped to 2,242. Similarly, deaths due to terrorism in the region had reduced by 70% under the Modi government. Explaining the role of MHA, Shah acknowledged that law and order falls under the jurisdiction of individual states, while border and internal security come under the Home Ministry. He pointed out that many crimes today are no longer limited to state boundaries, citing examples like narcotics, cybercrime, organized crime gangs, and hawala transactions, which often involve interstate or even international connections. Shah argued that the evolving nature of crime necessitated major structural reforms in MHA. "Many crimes are executed from outside the country, making it necessary for the Home Ministry to adapt to new challenges," he explained. He asserted that PM Modi’s government had made overdue changes in MHA to strengthen national security and ensure a more cohesive law enforcement framework.

The Home Minister also defended recent policies and measures taken to combat terrorism, border threats, and organized crime. He emphasized that the BJP-led government has successfully tackled internal security concerns, while ensuring strict border control and counter-terror operations in vulnerable regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. Concluding his speech, Amit Shah reaffirmed that national security remains a top priority for the Modi government. He credited the success of various security policies to firm decision-making and coordination between central and state agencies. He also reassured Parliament that India’s security apparatus is well-equipped to handle emerging threats and adapt to new challenges in the future.