NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently highlighted a significant achievement of the BJP-led government’s tenure, noting that violence in Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East, and Naxalite-affected regions has dropped by an impressive 70% over the last decade. This milestone was discussed during his address at the 50th All India Police Science Conference, held at Rashtriya Raksha University, Ahmedabad, on November 19, 2024.
For decades, these three regions—Kashmir, the North-East, and areas impacted by Naxalite insurgency—were deemed highly volatile, plagued by frequent insurgent attacks, violent protests, and security challenges. However, Shah pointed out that the significant reduction in violence over the last 10 years is a testament to the government’s strategic policies, stronger security frameworks, and consistent efforts to restore peace and stability.
Key Factors Behind the Decrease in Violence
The Home Minister attributed this transformation to a combination of factors, including the central government’s robust development-focused initiatives, enhanced security infrastructure, and firm counter-insurgency operations. According to recent reports, the death toll from violent incidents in these regions has dropped by 72%.
Moreover, Shah emphasized the role of the government’s “zero-tolerance” approach towards terrorism and insurgency, along with a strong commitment to fostering socio-economic development in these areas. He further stated that the government’s proactive stance in engaging local communities and addressing their grievances has also played a pivotal role in reducing unrest.
New Criminal Laws for Swift Justice
In addition to security improvements, Shah also spoke about the government’s efforts to reform the criminal justice system. He introduced three new laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—which replaced colonial-era legal provisions like the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Indian Evidence Act. These laws, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, are designed to modernize the justice delivery system and ensure that cases are resolved swiftly. Shah announced that within the next decade, India’s criminal justice system will become one of the most scientific and efficient in the world.
Looking Ahead
As India moves forward, the government plans to continue building on these gains, ensuring that the country’s security landscape remains stable and the criminal justice system remains fast and fair. With violence in historically troubled areas like Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East significantly reduced, India is poised to secure a peaceful future for its citizens.
WebTeam, C6N