Critical internal security hotspots now peaceful: HM Shah on Kashmir, Northeast, Left-wing extremism

New Delhi, October 21 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the country has made significant progress in addressing three major internal security challenges -- Kashmir, the Northeast and Left-wing extremism.Speaking at Police Commemoration Day in New Delhi, HM Shah said, “In recent years, the country has faced several challenges, including three major problems that we had endured for decades and which were considered critical hotspots for our internal security: Kashmir, the Northeast and the entire region affected by Left-wing extremism. Today, all three hotspots are peaceful, an atmosphere conducive to development has emerged, and these regions are ready to compete with the rest of the country in development.”“We have largely succeeded in curbing terrorism in Kashmir. Following several agreements and thousands of people laying down their arms, the entire Northeast has moved towards peace. Our police and CAPF personnel have also achieved significant success in completely eliminating the Naxal problem, which had spread across several states for five decades. I would particularly like to commend and congratulate the CAPF and the CoBRA Battalion for their contribution to ending Naxalism,” he added.HM Shah also thanked CAPF personnel deployed along the borders and across the country.“I also want to specially thank all CAPF personnel deployed at the borders and those ensuring security within the country. Staying away from their homes, they remain alert on every occasion, whether it is an election, a festival, a protest or border security. They strengthen the country's internal security and remain on duty to ensure that the country functions smoothly.”“Whether it is protecting the country's democracy or ensuring the smooth conduct of democratic processes, we cannot imagine doing so without the CAPF.”The Home Minister also flagged off a motorcycle rally from the national capital. CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh briefed him about the rally.Tributes were also paid to the martyrs by the Shahid Pushtika Rakshak Toli, a ceremonial police squad tasked with safeguarding and presenting the Martyrs’ Book during commemorative services.Addressing the drug problem, HM Shah announced that the Union Home Ministry has decided that during the remaining part of 2026, as well as in 2027, 2028 and 2029, a united fight will be waged against drugs over the next three-and-a-half years, and the country will be free from the drug problem by December 31, 2029.“This is a very important goal for us, even more important than tackling the three hotspots. The drug problem hollows out our future generations, places an undue burden on our economy and provides financial support to organisations engaged in anti-national activities,” HM Shah said.“Today, I want to call upon police forces across the country to wholeheartedly work towards achieving the goal of a drug-free India, following the roadmap we have prepared and the target set by our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so that we can protect our future generations,” he added.