New Delhi: Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi led regime for fundamentally transforming country’s national security architecture over the past 12 years, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the decisive steps like policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, cross-border operations, abrogation of Article 370 and sustained efforts to curb insurgency and Naxalism have led to India emerging as a strong and secure nation.
In a statement marking 12 years of the PM Modi led government, Shah said India has emerged as a strong and secure nation capable of protecting its citizens and responding firmly to threats against its sovereignty.
Highlighting the government’s approach towards terrorism, Shah said India has moved away from what he described as a defensive posture and adopted a strategy of swift and decisive action.
He termed surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor as examples of India’s willingness to target terrorist infrastructure beyond its borders.
According to Shah, Operation Sindoor marked a significant shift in India’s response doctrine, with security forces destroying nine terror camps and eliminating more than 100 terrorists.
He said the operation reflected the government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and strengthened India’s deterrence capabilities.
The Home Minister also cited the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as a major step in strengthening national integration and internal security. He said the move helped establish a new security paradigm and contributed to greater stability in the region.
Shah said incidents of stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir had come down significantly, while security measures along the country’s borders had been strengthened. He noted that around 93 per cent of the border with Pakistan and nearly 80 per cent of the border with Bangladesh had been fenced to improve surveillance and prevent infiltration.
Referring to efforts against Left Wing Extremism, Shah said Naxal violence had witnessed a steep decline under the Modi government.
He said hundreds of districts that were once affected by Naxal influence had witnessed considerable improvement, while thousands of insurgents had surrendered. The government, he added, had allocated substantial funds for security operations, training and rehabilitation in affected regions.
The Union Home Minister also highlighted steps taken in the Northeast, saying more than a dozen peace accords signed over the years had contributed to a decline in insurgency and improved stability across the region. He said violence in the Northeast had reduced considerably, enabling greater focus on development and connectivity.
On defence preparedness, Shah said the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat had significantly boosted domestic defence manufacturing. He said defence production had increased from about Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore, supported by policy reforms and a focus on indigenous production.
He said thousands of defence-related items had been identified for indigenisation, while investments in military modernisation, border infrastructure, defence satellites and indigenous weapons systems had strengthened India’s strategic capabilities.
Shah said the achievements of the past 12 years reflected the government’s commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring security across the country. He asserted that India’s response to security challenges now serves as an example of decisive governance and national resolve.

New Delhi, Srinagar: A high-level team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir regions for two-days on June 20 and 21 to assess preparedness especially security arrangements for forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3.
Quoting sources media reports said that the team will comprise heads of paramilitary forces, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and Intelligence Bureau and other key wings of the MHA. “Officers will review security arrangements for 57-day-long yatra in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The MHA meeting in Jammu is expected on June 20 followed by a similar meeting in Kashmir division on June 21,” sources added.
Pertinently, on June 12 Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review security preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra. He directed the top security brass to focus on ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees. “Safety of pilgrims remains the top priority of the PM Modi-led government,” Shah said.
The Union Home Minister directed officials to put in place a comprehensive, multi-layered security grid along the Yatra routes through close coordination between Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies.
Shah laid emphasis on integrating modern technology with traditional security mechanisms.
During the meeting officials were directed to ensure extensive deployment of drones, CCTV surveillance, and advanced monitoring systems to further strengthen situational awareness and threat response capabilities.
The Home Minister also instructed that senior officers from CAPFs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police be deployed at key camp locations to maintain continuous oversight of arrangements on the ground throughout the duration of the Yatra.
Apart from the Yatra routes, HM Shah asked officials to ensure enhanced security arrangements at other major tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir so that visiting pilgrims can travel safely and without disruption.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees each year to the Himalayan shrine, is set to commence on July 3, with authorities working to ensure tight security and smooth management amid challenging terrain and weather conditions

Agencies Evian-Les-Bains (France): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is very important for global economy. During his bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Evian, Prime Minister Modi stressed on ensuring freedom of navigation. Mr Modi added that for maritime trade, lakhs of Indian seafarers are providing their services in different regions of the world.
Highlighting seafarers’ contribution, PM Modi said their safety is of paramount importance.He also commended President Trump for the progress in peace efforts in West Asia. Mr Modi hoped that lasting peace will return to the region. He expressed happiness that the trade talks between India and US are progressing smoothly.
Earlier, on the margins of the meeting in Evian, Prime Minister Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz today exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The two leaders also reviewed the progress in bilateral engagements and expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, with the successful visit of Mr Merz to India and the conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations earlier this year.
As India and Germany celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education and mobility.
They welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the operationalisation of a transit visa waiver for Indian nationals transiting through Germany. Mr Merz invited the Prime Minister for the 8th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) scheduled to be held later this year in Germany.
Prime Minister Modi also held a meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa on the sidelines of the Summit. The leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and welcomed recent developments in West Asia.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting a resilient multipolar global order that supports peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development. The leaders noted the recent conclusion of negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a historic achievement.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi also addressed a crucial working session themed “Promoting balanced, inclusive and sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all” at the ongoing G7 Summit in Evian, France. In his address, the Prime Minister underscored the need for international financial institutions to develop mechanisms that impart economic resilience to developing countries.
He also proposed connectivity projects linking Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Island countries. He also suggested the creation of International Mobilization Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT), in which G7’s capital, India’s talent and Global South’s ownership could be combined. During the session Mr Modi also highlighted that tangible growth leads to inclusion and well-being of the people and spoke about India’s growth story underpinned by “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”.
The high-level session was attended by G7 member nations, partner countries, and key representatives from the International Monetary Fund and the OECD. PM Modi also participated in a working lunch focused on “Ensuring the safe, rapid and effective deployment of artificial intelligence. The meeting brought together G7 member countries, partner nations, and the CEOs of leading AI companies to discuss the future of digital innovation.

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has dismissed a lineman of the Power Development Department (PDD) from service over his involvement in terrorism and anti-national activities in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

According to an order issued by the Government on Wednesday Mohammad Shafi Malik, a lineman and resident of Eidgah Mohalla, Bijbehara, was removed from service under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India.

The order states that Malik was associated with the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) since 2016 and was facing trial in multiple criminal cases.

It stated that three FIRs were registered against him in connection with anti-national activities, while two additional stone-pelting cases were also pending against him at Police Station Bijbehara.

As per the order, security agencies had said that LeT terrorists were found hiding at his residential house in Arwani, Bijbehara, in June 2017, which led to an encounter in which three terrorists were killed.

The government said the material provided by the Home Department and other agencies established sufficient grounds to invoke provisions of Article 311(2)(b), dispensing with a departmental inquiry in the interest of public service and security.

The order, issued by Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar, said the nature and gravity of the allegations warranted dismissal from service

Srinagar: The ongoing Operation Sheruwali entered its 26th consecutive day on Wednesday in the dense Dorimal forests of the Gambhir Mughlan area in the Manjakote sector of Rajouri, making it one of the longest-running counter-terror operations in the region in recent years.
Security forces have intensified search and cordon operations across the difficult forest terrain, where steep slopes, rocky hills and thick vegetation continue to pose significant operational challenges. Troops are carrying out extensive area domination exercises to track suspected movement of terrorists believed to be hiding in the forest belt.
Officials said the multi-agency operation, launched in late May, aims to locate and neutralise armed infiltrators in the Dorimal–Gambhir Mughlan forest sector. Despite adverse terrain and harsh weather conditions, security personnel remain on high alert as surveillance grids and search patterns continue across the area.
The prolonged operation reflects sustained efforts by security forces to prevent infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) and maintain stability in the border district.
Meanwhile, officials said multiple casualties have been reported during the operation and related duties along the LoC. On June 16, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and three Army personnel were injured in an accidental mine blast during a routine patrol in the forward Kalal area of the Nowshera sector. The injured were evacuated and shifted to the Army’s Command Hospital in Udhampur for treatment.
Earlier, on June 7, an Army jawan died after slipping from a rocky slope while moving through difficult terrain during the ongoing operation. He was evacuated but later succumbed to injuries.
On May 28, intense firing and shelling were reported in the Dorimal forest area when the operation entered a critical phase, prompting reinforcements and strengthening of the security cordon to plug possible escape routes.
In a parallel development, frontline formations along the LoC continue to maintain heightened vigilance.
Senior commanders reviewed operational preparedness and force deployment in forward areas of the Nowshera sector, assessing surveillance mechanisms and combat readiness of troops
In a post on X, Army Spokesman said GOC WhiteKnightCorps, accompanied by GOC AceOfSpadesDivision, visited forward areas in the NausheraSector to assess the prevailing security environment and review the combat effectiveness of troops deployed along the LoC.
“During the visit, he was briefed on force posture, surveillance measures and ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening operational capabilities in the sector,” he said.
The spokesman said that top officials also interacted with troops in forward locations and lauded their steadfast commitment, high morale and unwavering vigilance in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.
Officials said search operations are continuing uninterrupted as forces maintain sustained pressure in the forested belt to flush out remaining infiltrators.

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Wednesday chaired a review meeting of the State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance (SLCCCI) to assess the implementation and progress of the Pradhan Mantri FasalBima Yojana (PMFBY) and related crop insurance schemes across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting besides ACS, APD was attended by the MD, J&K Bank; Director, Agriculture, Kashmir/Jammu; Convenor, UTLBC and other concerned officers from the Department.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary underscored the importance of ensuring that all eligible farmers are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) as per the guidelines of the Government of India. He urged various stakeholders, including departments and banks, to collaborate closely to achieve universal coverage. The ongoing ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ was highlighted as a vital platform for raising awareness among farmers about the benefits of crop insurance, with a focus on motivating them to enroll in the scheme. To enhance coordination and tackle implementation challenges, the Chief Secretary recommended appointing district-wise nodal officers from the Agriculture Production Department. These officers would work in conjunction with banks, insurance companies, and district administrations to streamline the enrollment process and address any obstacles faced by farmers. The Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting farmers from crop losses due to natural disasters and emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to expand insurance coverage and improve the financial security of the farming community in Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department provided an overview of the scheme’s performance, noting that over 12.89 lakh farmers have been covered since its inception, with significant claims settled. The meeting also reviewed the status of claims for Kharif 2025 and localized calamity claims for Rabi 2025-26, indicating a proactive approach to processing and settling claims. The region has seen notable growth in farmer enrollment and area coverage under the crop insurance program compared to previous seasons. While progress has been made in covering Kisan Credit Card (KCC) holders under PMFBY, there remains potential for further improvement in saturation levels. Discussions also included the implementation of the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), focusing on premium structures and operational guidelines. The Chief Secretary directed the Agriculture Production Department to prepare for timely implementation of crop insurance schemes in line with government guidelines, reiterating the commitment to enhance crop insurance coverage and resilience against production risks for farmers in Jammu and Kashmir.