Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of a well-coordinated, multi-dimensional approach to security in Northeast India, showcasing the remarkable progress achieved over the past decade. Speaking at the 72nd North Eastern Council (NEC) Plenary at Pragna Bhavan on Saturday, Shah detailed the tailored security strategies implemented for each state in the region, which have resulted in a dramatic reduction in insurgency and violence.
Significant Security Milestones
Shah highlighted the robust collaboration between the police, army, Assam Rifles, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), which has created an effective security framework in the Northeast. He shared key statistics underscoring the success of this approach:
- Violent incidents have reduced by 71% over the last decade.
- Civilian deaths have declined by 86%, signifying improved safety for residents.
- Nearly 10,574 insurgents have surrendered, facilitated by various peace agreements brokered by the Government of India.
“These figures reflect a decisive shift from violence to peace, allowing the Northeast to move towards stability and progress,” Shah said, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for enabling such a transformation.
Anti-Drug Campaign and Role of Northeast
Shah also touched upon the pressing issue of narcotics trafficking, highlighting the Northeast’s unique position as a transit route for drugs entering India. He commended the work done in the last six years but admitted that the pace needs to accelerate.
The Home Minister urged governors and chief ministers to hold regular district-level meetings through District Monitoring Committees for better oversight. He emphasized that the fight against drug addiction is not just about enforcement but also about securing the future of India’s youth. “Our goal is to make India completely drug-free, and the Northeast will play a pivotal role in achieving this objective,” Shah stated.
Implementation of New Criminal Laws
Shah announced preparations to implement three new criminal laws across all Northeastern states, aimed at ensuring timely justice. He stressed that these laws would ensure the resolution of even the most complex cases, including those reaching the Supreme Court, within three years.
Highlighting the transition from insurgency-focused policing to citizen-focused governance, Shah said, “For decades, the primary focus of Northeast police forces was on combating insurgency. Now, with violence almost eradicated, it is time to ensure citizens’ constitutional rights to property, honor, and family protection are upheld.”
Reforming the Policing Culture
Shah called for a cultural and operational shift in the region’s policing. He urged governors and chief ministers to ensure the full implementation of the new criminal laws and to monitor the process personally. He emphasized the importance of training and restructuring police forces to address the needs of a peaceful society.
“It is time to instill confidence among the people of the Northeast that justice is accessible through the filing of an FIR. The focus must shift from security-centric operations to citizen-centric service delivery,” Shah remarked.
Focus on Constitutional Rights
The Home Minister underlined the necessity of granting the same constitutional rights to Northeast citizens as enjoyed by people across the country. He noted that achieving this requires a shift in priorities from counter-insurgency operations to ensuring justice and equity for all.
Shah concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to peace, stability, and justice in the Northeast, asserting that this transformation would pave the way for inclusive development and enhanced quality of life for the region’s residents. The plenary witnessed active participation from governors, chief ministers, and senior officials from all eight Northeastern states, setting the stage for collaborative action on security and governance reforms.
