NEW DELHI, Nov 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the Narendra Modi government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from India, emphasizing a robust and coordinated strategy to tackle the menace. Speaking at an anti-terrorism conference on Thursday, Shah highlighted the government’s zero-tolerance approach and stressed the need for cooperation between central and state security agencies.
“Terrorism knows no boundaries,” Shah stated, urging law enforcement at all levels to work together, sharing intelligence and devising joint strategies. He pointed out that while law and order remain a state responsibility, the fight against terrorism requires unified efforts across the nation.
Shah credited the Modi government’s strategic initiatives since 2014 for reducing terror-related incidents by 70% compared to the previous decade, noting that the shelf life of terrorists had been drastically reduced, from two years to just a few days.
The Home Minister also emphasized the importance of technological advancements and officer training in countering terrorism. “We have seen remarkable success in reducing violence in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxal-affected regions, and Northeast India over the last decade,” he added.
He also urged the police to use the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) effectively, noting that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had achieved a high conviction rate, with charges filed in 498 out of 632 terror-related cases. Shah further highlighted the strengthening of the NIA’s jurisdiction, including its ability to investigate terrorism cases abroad.
A major part of the conference focused on the 25-point plan to stop terrorism funding, addressing concerns such as Jihadi terror, Left-Wing Extremism, cyber threats, and narco-terrorism. Shah also praised the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) for expanding its scope and creating SOPs that successfully thwarted many potential terror activities before they occurred.
The conference, which also awarded medals to 11 NIA officers for their dedication, is expected to enhance coordination among various agencies and fortify India’s security framework. It will also address emerging challenges such as the role of technology, international cooperation, and dismantling terror networks, with participation from senior police officers, legal experts, and counter-terrorism agencies.
The event underscores the government’s continuous effort to strengthen national security and combat terrorism effectively across the country.