“Civilian and security personnel casualties from militant incidents have dropped by 70%, reflecting the effectiveness of the Government’s policies. There have been no incidents of stone-pelting in the Kashmir Valley since the abrogation of Article 370. After removal of Article 370, involvement of Indian youth with militants in Jammu and Kashmir has almost disappeared. Militant glorification, which was once common under UPA rule, came to an end during the NDA’s decade-long rule. Ten years ago, funeral processions for militants were common, and people would glorify them. But now, when militants are killed, they are buried on the spot.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reaffirmed the Government’s strong stance against militancy and naxalism, declaring that extremist activities will be eradicated from India by March 2026. Addressing the Rajya Sabha during a debate on the Home Ministry’s work, Shah emphasised the Modi Government’s unwavering commitment to national security.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Militancy: Highlighting the persistent threats to national security, Shah identified militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, left-wing extremism, and insurgency in the Northeast as the country’s biggest challenges. He underscored the Modi Government’s zero-tolerance policy toward militancy, asserting that decisive action has significantly curtailed extremist activities. “Over the past four decades, nearly 92,000 civilians have lost their lives to militancy. Yet, no previous Government had adopted a structured approach to address this menace. The Modi Government has taken bold steps to ensure the safety and security of every citizen,” Shah said.
Remarkable Progress In J&K: Amit Shah highlighted substantial improvements in Jammu and Kashmir, where the situation has seen a dramatic turnaround. Civilian and security personnel casualties from militant incidents have dropped by 70%, reflecting the effectiveness of the Government’s policies. Moreover, Shah pointed out that there have been no incidents of stone-pelting in the Kashmir Valley since the abrogation of Article 370. Shah noted that after the removal of Article 370, the involvement of Indian youth with militants in Jammu and Kashmir has almost disappeared. He asserted that militant glorification, which was once common under UPA rule, came to an end during the NDA’s decade-long rule. “Ten years ago, funeral processions for militants were common, and people would glorify them. But now, when militants are killed, they are buried on the spot. Their relatives, who once enjoyed Government perks, have been ruthlessly removed from Government posts to send a strong message,” he said. Highlighting the Narendra Modi Government’s firm stance on militancy, Shah said that incidents of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir have significantly declined. Comparing figures, he said that between 2004 and 2014, the region saw 7,217 militant incidents, whereas between 2014 and 2024, this number dropped to 2,242. He also noted a 70 percent reduction in deaths due to militancy under the Modi Government.
Strengthening Grassroots Democracy: Shah highlighted the strengthening of grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir through successful local body elections. Since 2019, approximately 40,000 jobs have been provided, 1.51 lakh self-employment opportunities created, and skilling clubs operationalised to empower the youth. He further said that due to an attractive industrial policy, investments worth Rs 12,000 crore have already been realised on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir, while Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore have been signed.
Transformation In the Northeast: Turning to the Northeast, Shah observed that the region had entered a new phase of peace and development under the Modi Government. “Since 2019, around 19 peace accords have been signed, leading to the surrender of nearly 10,000 militants,” he said. He emphasised the importance of integrating the Northeast into the national mainstream. “The Modi Government’s vision is to ensure that no region or community is left behind in the journey towards progress,” Shah added.
Eradicating Naxalism By 2026: Criticising previous administrations for their failure to tackle Naxalism, Shah stressed that the current Government has made its eradication a top priority. “By March 2026, Naxalism will be completely eliminated from the country,” he declared. He highlighted that the Government’s approach includes a combination of security operations and development initiatives to address the root causes of Naxalism.
Economic Growth, Development In J&K: Shah also shed light on the economic development taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. He mentioned infrastructure projects, increased tourism, and industrial investments that are transforming the region. “Jammu and Kashmir is no longer a conflict zone; it is becoming a hub of opportunity. The influx of tourists and investments is a testament to the positive changes on the ground,” he said. He called upon all the stakeholders, including civil society members and industry leaders, to contribute to the region’s development. “Economic empowerment is key to sustaining peace. Our focus is on creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and ensuring quality education and healthcare for all,” Shah added.
Empowering Youth, Skilling Initiatives: Shah highlighted the Government’s efforts to empower the youth through skilling initiatives. “Our young population is our greatest asset. Through skill development programs and entrepreneurship support, we are ensuring they have the tools to succeed in the global market,” he said. He called for a collaborative approach involving Government agencies, educational institutions, and private enterprises to create a robust ecosystem for youth empowerment.
Fostering National Integration Through Development: Shah reiterated the Government’s focus on fostering national integration by promoting equitable development across all regions. He cited various infrastructure projects, such as road and rail connectivity, aimed at bridging regional disparities. “Connectivity is not just about roads; it’s about connecting hearts and minds. Development must reach the remotest corners of the country,” Shah emphasised. He urged the youth to actively participate in nation-building and highlighted the Government’s support for startups and innovation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Role of Civil Society, Citizens: The Home Minister also acknowledged the role of civil society in strengthening democracy and fostering communal harmony. He called on citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation and divisive forces. “Security is not the sole responsibility of the Government. Every citizen has a role to play. Together, we can build a secure and prosperous India,” Shah said.
Commitment To Inclusive Growth: In his concluding remarks, Shah reiterated the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and a secure India. He expressed confidence that the Government’s policies and the collective efforts of citizens would help India achieve its goals. “By 2026, we will have eradicated militancy and naxalism. By 2047, we will have built a Viksit Bharat — a developed and prosperous India. This is not just a dream; it is a promise,” Shah concluded.
“The remarkable progress witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and other regions is a testament to the Government’s holistic approach to development. From better infrastructure to improved security and economic opportunities, the transformation is evident. As the nation strides towards its centenary year of independence in 2047, the collective efforts of the Government and citizens promise to make India a beacon of hope, stability, and prosperity. Through resilience and unity, these regions stand poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s growth story, exemplifying the spirit of a new, progressive India”.
Additional Industrial Investments In J&K: Shah further added that investments worth Rs 12,000 crore have been grounded in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the region’s new era of industrial growth. “The developmental initiatives in the UT are not only creating employment opportunities but are also bringing a sense of stability and prosperity,” he noted. The Home Minister reiterated that the central Government’s policies are designed to ensure that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are actively engaged in building a peaceful and prosperous society.
Need For Development In J&K: To sustain peace and development in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, the Government must maintain its unwavering focus on security, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development. These regions, historically marked by conflict and socio-economic challenges, require a comprehensive approach to ensure long-term stability. Strengthening grassroots democracy, promoting industrial investment, and creating opportunities for the youth are crucial pillars that can drive sustainable growth. Security remains the bedrock of stability. The Government’s consistent emphasis on maintaining law and order, coupled with its zero-tolerance policy against militancy, has significantly curbed violence in these regions. Ensuring a robust security framework helps create a conducive environment for development, allowing businesses to flourish and communities to thrive. Economic empowerment is another vital component. Through initiatives aimed at skilling and employment, the Government has sought to uplift the youth, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Various schemes focusing on entrepreneurship, skill development, and financial inclusion have empowered individuals to pursue livelihoods that offer dignity and independence. Moreover, promoting industrial investment can help tap into the untapped potential of these regions, fostering economic resilience. Infrastructure development serves as a catalyst for growth. Improved connectivity through road networks, railways, and digital infrastructure bridges the gap between remote areas and mainstream markets. In Jammu and Kashmir, enhanced connectivity has facilitated tourism and trade, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Similarly, in the Northeast, better infrastructure has improved accessibility, promoting regional trade and integration.
Kashmir Horizon View: Addressing the root causes of extremism is equally important for lasting peace. Education, inclusivity, and dialogue form the triad of this effort. By fostering a sense of belonging and addressing grievances through peaceful means, the Government can mitigate the factors that lead to radicalization. Inclusive policies that ensure equitable access to resources, representation in governance, and respect for cultural diversity can help build trust among communities. Collaboration between civil society, Government, and private sectors is key to maintaining harmony and prosperity. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Government and the people, ensuring that development reaches the grassroots. Public-private partnerships can mobilize resources and expertise to accelerate regional growth. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s reaffirmation of the zero-tolerance policy against militancy and his vision for inclusive growth underscore the Government’s commitment to creating a safe and prosperous India. His emphasis on strategic reforms and economic empowerment reflects the determination to overcome internal security challenges. The remarkable progress witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and other regions is a testament to the Government’s holistic approach to development. From better infrastructure to improved security and economic opportunities, the transformation is evident. As the nation strides towards its centenary year of independence in 2047, the collective efforts of the Government and citizens promise to make India a beacon of hope, stability, and prosperity. Through resilience and unity, these regions stand poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s growth story, exemplifying the spirit of a new, progressive India.
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