Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday delivered a strong statement in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the government’s firm stance on terrorism and internal security. In a sharp rebuttal to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah criticized his remarks on Kashmir and underscored the Modi government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and Naxalism from the country.
Amit Shah took a jibe at Gandhi’s comments from his 2023 Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir, where he had claimed to have spotted terrorists. Referring to Gandhi’s statements, Amit Shah remarked, “One leader went on a foot march, played Holi with snow in Kashmir, and then claimed he saw terrorists from afar. If someone has terrorism in their mind, they will see it everywhere, even in their dreams and in Kashmir.”
Highlighting the Modi government’s aggressive approach against terrorism, Amit Shah declared, “Whenever we see a terrorist, we shoot right between the eyes. Our government neither tolerates terrorism nor terrorists.” He pointed out the significant reduction in terrorism-related deaths in Jammu and Kashmir under the Modi administration and credited the government’s zero-tolerance policy for bringing stability to the region.
Amit Shah recalled the past situation in Kashmir, stating that before Modi came to power, terrorists from across the border frequently infiltrated the Valley and carried out bomb blasts, disrupting daily life. “There was not a single festival celebrated without fear. The central government’s approach was weak, and political considerations often dictated responses to terrorism. After Narendra Modi took charge, a decisive zero-tolerance policy was implemented,” he asserted.
Citing examples of strong retaliation under the Modi government, Amit Shah mentioned the surgical and air strikes carried out by India in response to the Uri and Pulwama attacks. “Within ten days of these attacks, we responded by entering Pakistan and carrying out surgical and air strikes, sending a clear message that India will not remain silent against terrorism,” he said.
Speaking on Naxalism, Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating the menace completely. “I say this in the House with full responsibility: by March 21, 2026, Naxalism will be eliminated from this country,” he asserted. He also highlighted measures taken to improve intelligence sharing and equip security forces to tackle Naxal insurgency effectively.
Amit Shah further discussed the government’s steps to combat drug abuse and address security challenges in the Northeast, emphasizing that national security remains the top priority. He concluded by reiterating the Modi administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and terror-free India, calling for unity in tackling threats to the nation’s internal stability.
