Says Modi Govt’s Zero-Tolerance Policy Slashes Terror in J&K
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, March 19 ; Terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir will face only two fates—incarceration or “jahannum” (hell)—declared Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Niyanand Rai in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Emphasizing the prime minister Modi government’s “zero tolerance” approach, Rai credited the policy for eradicating terror incidents in India’s hinterland and reducing Jammu and Kashmir’s terror activities by 71% since 2014.
Responding to Congress MP Pramod Tiwari during Question Hour, Rai as per Kashmir Despatch contrasted the current administration’s stance with past governments, alleging that terrorists were once “glorified and served good food.” “Today, terrorists are met with iron-fisted action. Our measures have ensured hinterland terror incidents are near-zero,” he asserted.
NIA’s Global Reach, 95% Conviction Rate
Rai highlighted the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) expanded mandate, including probes into attacks on Indian missions in London, Ottawa, and San Francisco following 2019 legislative amendments. The agency is also investigating 23 human trafficking cases and 30 bomb blast incidents. With 95.54% conviction rates in terror cases, Rai noted that 150 of 157 decided cases led to convictions. Over ₹116 crore in terror-linked assets have been seized.
Dismissing CPI MP Sandosh Kumar’s criticism of the NIA, Rai called such complaints “concocted and baseless,” accusing detractors of opposing stringent anti-terror actions.
Digvijaya’s Query Meets Sharp Retort
When Congress’s Digvijaya Singh cited pending bomb blast cases since 2011, Rai retorted that these incidents occurred under previous regimes. “Under Modi, hinterland terror is extinct,” he stated, adding that 57 individuals and nine organizations have been designated as terrorists or terror groups since 2014.
Special Courts, Trafficking Crackdown
The minister informed the House that 23 special courts nationwide, including in Jammu and Ranchi, exclusively handle terror cases. The NIA is also probing illegal immigrants deported by the U.S., unearthing human trafficking networks.
By the Numbers
652 NIA cases registered since inception; 516 charge-sheeted.
4,232 arrests, 625 convictions.
71% decline in terror incidents since 2014.
Rai’s combative tone underscored the government’s resolve: “Terrorists will choose between jail and hell. India’s fight will only intensify.”
Earlier, the union minister also claimed that terrorist activities will soon come to an end. ‘They (terrorists) will not succeed in their designs,’ he added.
He stated that the people in Jammu and Kashmir are now living in a peaceful environment, and there is a full guarantee of security.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
