'We Shoot Terrorists Right Between The Eyes': Amit Shah
What's the story
Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a strong statement in the Rajya Sabha on counter-terrorism operations and developments in Jammu and Kashmir.
His comments were a rebuttal to the comments made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his "Bharat Jodo Yatra" in 2023.
The Union Home Minister reiterated the Modi government's relentless war against terrorism and the remarkable drops in terrorism-related deaths under its tenure.
Political jibe
Shah's remarks on Rahul Gandhi's Kashmir visit
Shah mocked Gandhi's visit to Kashmir, wondering how he could show him development when the latter views through "kaala chashma" (dark glasses).
"One leader went on a foot march, went to Kashmir, played Holi with snow with his "karyakartas" and then claimed he saw terrorists from afar."
Shah claimed, "If someone has terrorist in their mind, he will appear in your dreams as well as in Kashmir."
Firm stance
Modi government's 0-tolerance policy toward terrorism
In his address, Shah reiterated the Modi government's zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
He said, "Whenever we see a terrorist, we shoot right between the eyes. Our government can neither tolerate terrorism nor terrorists."
The Union Home Minister highlighted that under Modi's leadership, there has been a significant decrease in terrorist-related deaths in Jammu and Kashmir.
Past policies
Shah's critique of previous government's approach to terrorism
Shah slammed the earlier government's soft attitude toward terrorism.
He said terrorists from across the border used to sneak into Kashmir almost every day, creating bomb blasts and disturbances during festivals.
However, he alleged there was no decisive action from the Centre out of fear of losing votes and public backlash.
Naxalism challenge
Shah's vow to eliminate Naxalism by 2026
Participating in a debate on his ministry's performance in Rajya Sabha, Shah talked about the government's strategies to combat terrorism in J&K, drug abuse, and issues in the Northeast.
He spoke with confidence that under the BJP-led government, India will be free of the "Naxal problem" by March 21, 2026.
Policy shift
Shah's comments on terrorist glorification in Jammu and Kashmir
Shah also spoke about the glorification of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that following the abrogation of Article 370, the local youth's association with terrorists has nearly disappeared.
"Ten years ago, funeral processions for terrorists were common, and people would glorify them. But now, when terrorists are killed, they are buried on the spot," he added.