Abrogation of Article 370 a 'decisive battle' for peace in Kashmir, says Amit Shah during 35th Raising Day celebrations of NSG

Gurgaon: The abrogation of Article 370 provisions is a “decisive battle” waged by the Narendra Modi government to end years of proxy war and terrorism from Pakistan and the step will bring everlasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday.

Attending the 35th Raising Day celebrations of the counter-terror force National Security Guard (NSG) as the chief guest, Shah said the recent decision to repeal special provisions in Jammu and Kashmir will help to “completely eradicate” the Pakistan-sponsored terrorism from the Kashmir Valley.

He said his government is firm on the policy of “zero tolerance” on terrorism and the NSG is an important instrument to achieve this goal.

“I believe that with the abrogation of Article 370 by PM Narendra Modi, we have initiated a decisive battle against years of proxy war and terror acts perpetrated by our neighbour (Pakistan) and this step will ensure ever-lasting peace in Kashmir and the region,” Shah said at the NSG garrison in Manesar.

He said India has been facing terrorism for many years and there would be very few countries across the globe who have waged such a long battle against terrorism. Terrorism is a curse on any civilised society and the biggest impediment to development, he said.

“Hence our government is firm on continuing the zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and ensuring victory on terror always,” Shah added.

The recent big step of repealing Article 370 taken by Modi is aimed at completely eradicating terrorism from Kashmir and to safeguard the country from this scourge, Shah said.

Shah lauded the elite commando force saying it has impressed the world with its capability to counter any terror attack as he recounted its operations at Akshardham temple in Gujarat and the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008. “This inspires confidence in the minds of the citizens that they are in safe hands,” he added.

The home minister said the NSG has been provided with latest gadgets and equipment to enhance its mobility surveillance, firepower and counter-drone capabilities but a commando’s courage, passion and patriotism is the most important quality that ensures victory in operation or task.

He asked the NSG to continuously work towards its vision of “world-class zero error” force. The force was raised in 1984 as the federal counter-terror and counter-hijack force with specialised ‘black cat’ commandos to render these tasks.