Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a significant address on Thursday, announced a remarkable reduction in violence in some of India’s most volatile regions, including Kashmir, the North East, and Naxal-affected areas. Shah, while inaugurating a new seven-storey building for the Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police, revealed that the country has seen a 70% reduction in violence and a 72% reduction in related deaths in these regions over the last decade. This achievement, according to Shah, is a testament to the current government’s persistent focus on both internal security and development.
Also Read: Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney: Navigating Legal Pathways to Justice
A Decade of Transformation in Internal Security
The Home Minister began his speech by outlining the dramatic improvements in the internal security landscape of India, particularly in areas that were once plagued by routine violence and terrorism. He referred to Kashmir, the North East, and Naxal-affected areas, which had for years been hotspots for violent activities. Shah emphasized that the 70% reduction in violence in these regions is not a coincidence but a result of the government’s strategic approach to security and development. “Earlier, frequent reports of bomb blasts and attacks in these areas were unfortunately routine. But with a determined government and a focus on development, we have significantly reduced both violence and deaths,” Shah stated.
The Role of State and Central Agencies
Amit Shah credited the combined efforts of state police forces and central agencies for this success. He mentioned that improved coordination between these forces has played a crucial role in restoring peace and stability to areas that had long been associated with unrest. “The state police and central agencies have done commendable work to achieve this,” he noted, expressing gratitude for their unwavering dedication. According to Shah, this cooperative approach between state and central forces is key to maintaining the progress made over the last decade and ensuring the safety and security of citizens across the country.
Inauguration of the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner’s Office
The event was held in the presence of key dignitaries, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Gyanendra Singh Malik, along with MPs, MLAs, and other senior officials. The occasion marked the inauguration of a modern, seven-storey building for the Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police, which is equipped with cutting-edge technology and facilities to support the city’s law enforcement agencies.
Built at a cost of Rs140 crore, the new police headquarters is more than just an administrative structure. It features state-of-the-art amenities, including a fully equipped gym, extensive parking facilities, CCTV surveillance, fire safety systems, a police museum, and a Shaheed Smarak (martyrs’ memorial). “This is not just a new office; it is a symbol of the future of policing in Ahmedabad,” Shah said, highlighting how the modern infrastructure is designed to meet the growing demands of law enforcement in an urban environment.
Joint Interrogation Centre for Terrorism Prevention
During his speech, Shah also touched on the significance of the newly established Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) in Ahmedabad, which will play a crucial role in combating terrorism. He reminded the audience that Ahmedabad has been a target of terrorist attacks in the past, and the JIC is part of a broader strategy to prevent such incidents in the future. “Ahmedabad has endured terrorist attacks in the past, and to safeguard the city, we have set up this JIC. It will allow the police and other investigative agencies to work together in a scientific and methodical manner,” Shah explained.
Also Read: Burn Injuries: Understanding the Legal Aspect in Dallas
The JIC will act as a hub for collaboration between various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, enabling them to coordinate more effectively in their efforts to prevent and investigate terrorist activities. Shah expressed confidence that this center would significantly enhance the city’s ability to counter terrorism and other security threats.
‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ Initiative and Cybercrime Victims
One of the key highlights of Shah’s address was his mention of the ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ initiative, a program designed to help victims of cybercrime recover their assets. The initiative involves freezing assets that have been seized during cybercrime investigations and returning them to the rightful owners. Shah praised this program as a significant step in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime in India. He emphasized that the government is committed to not only preventing cybercrime but also ensuring that victims receive justice and are compensated for their losses.
New Criminal Laws and Future-Proofing India’s Legal System
Shah also used the platform to discuss the introduction of three new criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. He explained that these laws were drafted with careful consideration of future technological advancements, ensuring that they remain relevant for decades to come. “We have ensured that these laws are future-proof, with provisions that will be applicable even 100 years from now, based on the technologies that are likely to emerge,” Shah said.
The new laws aim to revolutionize India’s criminal justice system by incorporating provisions for scientific investigations, faster prosecution, and improved judicial processes. Shah noted that once the necessary infrastructure is in place to support these laws, they will enable justice to be delivered much more quickly. “Once these laws are implemented, people will be able to get justice in as little as three years—from the time an FIR is lodged to the conclusion of a case in the Supreme Court,” he remarked, expressing hope that the new legal framework would reduce delays in the judicial process and ensure that the guilty are punished swiftly.
India’s Path to a Terrorism-Free Future
As Shah concluded his address, he reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring internal security and fostering development in every part of the country. He expressed optimism that India is on the path to becoming free from terrorism and Naxalism. “Our nation is progressing towards a future where terrorism and Naxalism will be eradicated. The progress we have made in reducing violence in conflict-ridden areas is a clear indication of this,” Shah stated.
In summary, Amit Shah’s speech highlighted the remarkable strides India has made in terms of internal security, particularly in areas that have historically been centers of violence and unrest. With the government’s continued focus on security and development, along with the introduction of future-proof laws and initiatives, Shah expressed confidence that India is moving towards a safer and more secure future for all its citizens.