Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on Wednesday that India has successfully tackled persistent security threats which had lingered for decades, achieving this feat within the ten-year tenure of the Narendra Modi-led government. He made these remarks in Panchkula while addressing a massive gathering of newly inducted police constables.
Historic Police Graduation and New Legal Era
Shah presided over what he termed the "largest police graduation ceremony in the country," where a batch of 5,061 constables passed out in Haryana. This group holds historical significance as the first to be recruited in the state since the implementation of India's three new criminal laws. The Home Minister emphasized that these recruits have received specialized training in forensic and scientific investigation methods, cybercrime detection, and cybersecurity under the new legal framework.
"We have to move on while accepting new challenges and changes," Shah stated, underscoring the government's adaptive approach. He noted that Haryana ranks among the leading states in swiftly adopting these new laws. The batch, with an average age of 26, is notably educated, with 85% being graduates or postgraduates.
A Decade of Securing the Nation
Reflecting on the security landscape, Shah identified three major law-and-order challenges that plagued the nation for years: left-wing extremism, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and insurgency in the northeastern states. He asserted that after a decade under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, peace has been established on all these fronts, making the country safer.
Shah reiterated the central government's unwavering support to states, stating it "stands like a rock" in combating drugs, human trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime. He urged the new constables to become brand ambassadors in the fight against narcotics and social evils.
Focus on Scientific Investigation and Women Empowerment
Elaborating on the new criminal laws, Shah highlighted a pivotal shift towards science-based policing. "In crimes in which punishment is more than seven years, a visit by forensic experts to the scene of the crime has been made compulsory," he explained. This mandate aims to build robust cases and ensure convictions.
The Home Minister also commended the rising participation of women in Haryana Police, noting an increase from 3% in 2014 to 15% in 2024. He announced the state government's plan to soon recruit an additional 6,000 personnel, including about 1,500 women, to further enhance the force's inclusivity and sensitivity.
Shah praised Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for his farmer-centric policies, including ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 24 crops and prompt payments to farmers within 48 hours of procurement. He also acknowledged the state's effort in providing employment to kin of the 1984 riot victims.
Honouring Sacrifice and Sikh Heritage
Earlier in Chandigarh, Shah attended a Veer Bal Diwas event to honour the martyrdom of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh. He paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh's family for the protection of faith and nation.
He recalled that Prime Minister Modi instituted December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas three years ago. Shah also listed several initiatives for the Sikh community undertaken during Modi's tenure, including granting domicile to 1.16 lakh Sikh families from Afghanistan and Pakistan in Jammu and the development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
Shah's day in the region also included unveiling a bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whom he credited for strengthening India's internal and external security and leading the nation to become a nuclear power.
