Terrorism curbed, peace taking roots in Kashmir: Amit Shah

New Delhi, Oct 21: Hailing the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces in curbing terrorism in the Valley, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that Kashmir, the Northeast and Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas are now witnessing peace and development.
Addressing a ceremony on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial here, Shah, said significant success has been achieved in curbing terrorism in Kashmir, while security forces have made major contributions towards restoring peace in regions that faced prolonged internal security challenges.
He said the three major hotspots of internal security challenges, Kashmir, the Northeast and areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism, were now on the path of peace and development.
The Union Home Minister also paid tributes to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and said their sacrifices have laid the foundation for the country’s progress and security.
“Police personnel constitute both the first and the last line of defence for internal security,” he said, praising their role in maintaining law and order, securing borders and ensuring the smooth conduct of democratic processes.
The Home Minister said 2026 was a significant year for the Indian police, claiming that the country had achieved freedom from Naxalism on March 31 after decades of violence.
He said more than 3,600 security personnel and nearly 13,700 civilians lost their lives due to Naxalism between 1981 and March 2026.
Paying homage to the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice, Shah said the nation remained indebted to their families for their contribution to the country’s security.
Recalling the history of Police Commemoration Day, he said October 21 is observed every year in memory of 10 CRPF personnel who were killed while resisting an attack by Chinese troops in the Hot Springs region of Ladakh in 1959.
He said the National Police Memorial, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, honoured the sacrifices of police personnel across the country and had become a place of reverence for citizens.
Shah also called upon police force across the country to intensify efforts against drug abuse and trafficking, saying the Union Home Ministry had set a target of freeing the country from the drug menace by December 31, 2029.
He urged all police forces to implement the roadmap for a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ prepared under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that drug abuse threatened the future of young people and could also provide financial support to organisations with anti-national intentions.
On the occasion, Shah flagged off a nationwide motorcycle rally carrying the message ‘Fight Against Drugs’. Around 90 riders from various states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as personnel from central armed police forces and other security organisations, are participating in the rally.
The riders will travel to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat to participate in the Ekta Parade-2026, according to the Union Home Ministry.
Shah also praised the role of the Central Armed Police Forces in conducting elections, managing security during public events and safeguarding the country’s borders.
He said security personnel had ensured that the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections were conducted without a single fatality, describing it as a significant achievement in maintaining electoral security.
The Home Minister said police personnel continued to discharge their duties during festivals and other occasions, often remaining away from their families to ensure public safety and internal security.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Mahesh Dixit, Indo-Tibetan Border Police Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor and heads of other central armed police forces. (KNO)