Terrorism in J&K Curbed, Not Eradicated: Shah

 Srinagar: Union home minister Amit Shah, on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, stated on Monday that although terrorism has been substantially curbed in the region, it has not yet been fully eliminated.

“Our mission is still not accomplished because terrorism has been curbed but not completely eliminated,” Shah remarked during an interaction at Raj Bhawan, Jammu, with families of Jammu and Kashmir policemen who sacrificed their lives in duty. On this occasion, he handed appointment letters on compassionate grounds to nine nominees from these families.

Paying tribute to the martyrs, Shah emphasised, “For over three decades, J&K has suffered immensely due to terrorism. The nation will always remember and honour the courage and sacrifice of these brave policemen.”

Earlier, Shah visited the Border Security Force (BSF) outpost ‘Vinay’ at the International Border in Kathua district. Addressing BSF personnel, Shah praised their unwavering commitment and bravery, stating, “You guard our borders 365 days a year, facing extreme conditions. The nation acknowledges your crucial role in protecting India from infiltration and cross-border crime.”

He assured the BSF of the government’s commitment to equipping them with advanced technologies for enhanced border surveillance and security. Shah revealed that new technical solutions, including advanced threat detection systems, are being implemented along India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Responding to recent security concerns in Kathua, Shah affirmed, "Peace will return soon, as security forces have launched extensive operations against infiltrators." However, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified earlier that Shah’s visit was pre-planned and unrelated to the ongoing anti-terror operations in Kathua.

Addressing BJP MLAs and party workers in Jammu, Shah reiterated the Modi government’s dedication to restoring lasting peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged party members to communicate this commitment to citizens, emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fully developed, terror-free India by 2047.

The home minister is scheduled for extensive security review meetings in Jammu and Srinagar, joined by senior officials from various security agencies, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary forces. Discussions will also cover preparations for this year’s Amarnath Yatra and updates on centrally sponsored developmental projects across the region.

In a post on ‘X’, the home minister said, “Today, I visited the border outpost 'Vinay' with BSF soldiers in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. Our brave soldiers are guarding the borders with full determination and making border security even stronger. The dedication of our soldiers towards the security of the country and devotion to duty is truly incomparable.”