Rai warns strict action against terrorism, says Modi government will ensure no leniency for those threatening national security.
Terrorism Incidents Drop by 71% Under Modi Government, Says MoS Home Nityanand Rai
Minister Highlights ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy, Asserts Terrorists Will Face Jail or Death
JAMMU, March 19: Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai told the Rajya Sabha that incidents of terrorism in India have reduced by 71% under the Modi government. He attributed this decline to the administration’s strict “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism.
Rai asserted that unlike previous governments, which allegedly “glorified terrorists and provided them good food,” the current leadership ensures that terrorists either end up in jail or face death. “This is the Modi government, which will work with firm determination to eliminate terrorism. Terrorists will either go to jail or ‘jahannum’ (hell),” he said during Question Hour.
The minister highlighted that after amending the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, India has been able to investigate terrorism cases even beyond its borders. The NIA is currently probing attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in London, Ottawa, and San Francisco.
Conviction Rate & Counterterrorism Measures
Rai presented statistics on the NIA’s performance, stating that since its inception, the agency has registered 652 cases, filed charge sheets in 516, arrested 4,232 accused, and secured 625 convictions. “Out of 157 cases decided by courts, 150 have resulted in convictions, maintaining an impressive 95.54% conviction rate,” he added.
He also said that 57 individuals and nine organizations have been designated as terrorists or banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) since 2014, bringing the total number of proscribed organizations to 23.
The minister further mentioned that 23 human trafficking cases, 30 bomb blast cases, and one cybercrime case are currently under investigation by the NIA.
Opposition Questions, Government’s Response
Congress MP Digvijaya Singh raised concerns over pending terror cases from 2011, to which Rai responded by pointing out that such incidents occurred during the Congress rule. “The incidents referred to by the member happened during their tenure. There are zero incidents taking place now in the hinterland,” he asserted.
Responding to claims of complaints against the NIA, Rai dismissed them as “baseless and concocted,” stating that opposition to the agency comes from those unhappy with strict action against terrorists.
The Modi government, he reiterated, remains firm in its commitment to combating terrorism through legislative amendments, improved investigative authority, and stringent action against those involved in terror activities.
