New Delhi [India], March 27 (HBTV): Emphasising the commitment of the BJP-led alliance to end Naxalism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that 2,619 Naxalites had been arrested, surrendered, or killed in the past year due to the approach of the BJP government, which came to power in Chhattisgarh in December 2023.

Replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the working of his ministry, he said Naxalism would be eliminated from the country by March 21, 2026.

'Let me tell you that by March 21, 2026, Naxalism will be completely eradicated from our country. This is the result of the hard work of the Modi government over the past 10 years,' he said.

Amit Shah said the BJP government in Chhattisgarh was tackling Naxalism with a different approach compared to the Congress, leading to a reduction in active Naxals by 2,619.

'What happens when there is a government that considers Naxalism a political issue, and what happens when a government works for security as well as development? When the BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh in December 2023, 380 Naxals were killed in just a year. This does not include the 30 Naxals killed yesterday. In these operations, 26 security personnel lost their lives,' he said.

'It was the same Chhattisgarh, the same police, BSF, and Indian government, with only Congress in power. But in December 2023, when the BJP took charge, within a year, 2,619 Naxalites were either arrested, surrendered, or killed. This shows you what a change in approach can achieve,' he added.

The minister congratulated security personnel, acknowledging their efforts in venturing into dense forests to eliminate Naxalism despite challenges like water scarcity, food shortages, and sleepless nights.

Amit Shah detailed steps taken by the government to provide accurate intelligence to security forces combating Naxalism.

'When the Narendra Modi government was elected to power in 2014, we inherited several legacy issues from before 2014. The country's security and development were challenged due to three main issues: terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Leftist insurgency, and Northeast insurgency. These problems obstructed peace, questioned national security, and hindered development for almost four decades. Over 92,000 citizens were killed due to these issues. However, no well-planned effort had been made to eliminate them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated such efforts after assuming power,' he said.

Amit Shah also highlighted significant progress in resolving insurgency issues in Northeast India.

'We are also on the verge of ending the problems in the Northeast. There has been a 70 per cent reduction in violent incidents, a 72 per cent reduction in casualties of security forces, and an 85 per cent reduction in civilian casualties,' he said.

'After our government came to power, we engaged in talks with all armed groups. Since 2019, we have signed 12 important peace agreements. A total of 10,900 youths in the Northeast have surrendered their weapons and joined the mainstream. Thousands of youths have now embarked on the path of development,' he added.

Amit Shah said 21 members presented their views during the discussion on his ministry's working.

'In a way, efforts were made to cover several dimensions of the MHA's work. First of all, I express my gratitude to thousands of state police and central paramilitary force personnel who made the supreme sacrifice to strengthen the country's internal security as well as its borders,' he said.

Amit Shah noted that several crimes now have multi-state dimensions.

'Law and order is the responsibility of states, while border security and internal security come under the MHA. However, after 76 years, we face a situation where crimes such as narcotics, cybercrime, organised crime gangs, and hawala operations extend beyond state borders. Some crimes even originate outside the country. Considering this, changes in the MHA were essential. Over the past 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced long-overdue changes to strengthen national security,' he said.

Amit Shah also addressed the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.

'After the removal of Article 370, Indian youth's involvement with terrorism has almost disappeared. Ten years ago, terrorist glorification was common, and funeral processions would take place. But now, when terrorists are killed, they are buried on the spot. Relatives of terrorists who once enjoyed government perks have been removed from their posts to send a strong message,' he said.

'I want to thank our Constitution makers for making Article 370 temporary and providing a solution for its removal within the same article. However, vote bank politics safeguarded it for years. On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Modi took the historic step of removing it, marking a new era of Kashmir's integration with the rest of India,' he added.

Amit Shah also spoke about the Vibrant Village Programme.

'Along the border, people used to live in extreme conditions, leading to an exodus. If these border villages are abandoned, national security is at risk. Previously, these villages were called "last villages." The Modi government recognised them as "first villages." This was not just a conceptual change but a practical one. Within 10 years, essential services have been prioritised for these areas,' he said. (ANI)