Speaking on the first day of the two-day ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Surajkund, the minister stated that the ‘Shivir’ will provide a common platform to face challenges such as cyber-crime, narcotics spread, and cross-border terrorism together. “Crimes are changing in nature and becoming borderless.” As a result, all states will have to fight them using a unified strategy. To formulate and implement this common strategy, the government is promoting the 3C’s, which are Cooperation, Coordination, and Collaboration between the Centre and the States, in the spirit of “Cooperative Federalism,” “Whole of Government,” and “Team India.”

Shah went on to say that cybercrime is a major threat that the Ministry of Home Affairs is prepared to combat. “The Ministry is constantly working on CRPC, IPC, and FCRA reforms, and their revised blueprint will be tabled in Parliament soon.” To increase the conviction rate, states should make full use of forensic science, and the federal government has provided all possible assistance by forming the NFSU. Border states will need to work more closely with central agencies and security forces to ensure border and coastal security.”

He stated that areas affected by Left Wing Extremism, such as Jammu and Kashmir and the North East, which were previously hotspots of violence and unrest, are now hotspots of development. “The security situation in the North East has significantly improved over the last eight years.” Since 2014, there has been a 74% decrease in insurgency incidents, a 60% decrease in security force casualties, and a 90% decrease in civilian casualties.”

The minister stated that with the repeal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a new era of peace and progress has begun. “Compared to the 37 months preceding August 5, 2019, there has been a 34% reduction in terrorist incidents and a 54% reduction in security force deaths in 37 months following August 5, 2019.”

“The government, led by Prime Minister Modi, has pursued a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and the NIA.” Other agencies are being strengthened in order to defeat it decisively. Before 2024, efforts are being made to establish an anti-terror network by establishing NIA branches in each state. To achieve a decisive victory in the fight against terrorism, the legal framework is being strengthened, and provisions for declaring individual terrorists have been made by amending the NIA and UAPA laws,” he explained.
Shah went on to say that the NIA has been granted extraterritorial jurisdiction, as well as the authority to seize property acquired or related to terrorism.

“A target of establishing NIA branches in all states of the country by 2024 has been set.” Because of mutual cooperation and coordination between the center and the states, most of the country’s security hotspots are now almost free of anti-national activities. The Indian government’s zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics is producing positive results. 3,000 cases have been registered in the last eight years, with drugs worth more than Rs. 20,000 crores seized.”