New Delhi [India], July 27 (HBTV): Underlining the need for enhanced coordination to address evolving internal security challenges, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the formation of 'homogeneous teams' comprising Central and State agencies. These teams will be tasked with developing strategic plans, ensuring effective implementation, and closely monitoring progress.
Shah's direction came during the concluding address of the two-day Eighth National Security Strategies Conference held in New Delhi. He noted that India's rising global stature would bring greater national security challenges in the coming years.
A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs quoted the Union Home Minister as saying that these challenges needed to be tackled through improved coordination and unified planning. Shah emphasised the importance of integrating efforts between agencies at all levels.
Highlighting India’s position as the fourth-largest economy and a leader in emerging technologies, start-ups, green energy, and innovation, Shah instructed the involvement of young police officers across all states in identifying and addressing national challenges. He stressed that senior officers should guide and mentor younger personnel to help them understand evolving threats and formulate solutions.
He also urged that national databases such as the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders (NIDAAN), Integrated Monitoring on Terrorism (iMoT), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s fugitive database be made an integral part of all training programs to familiarise younger officers with available digital resources.
Shah said that a reliable ecosystem for real-time data sharing must be established to effectively address the country’s internal security challenges.
Referring to the Modi government’s success in resolving multiple state-level issues, he noted that the next five to ten years would be crucial for India’s development and security. In view of India’s geopolitical environment, he said internal security threats would remain dynamic and called for a coordinated response under the motto of Suraksha, Sajagta aur Samanvay (Security, Alertness, and Coordination).
Appreciating the achievements made in Left Wing Extremist areas, the Northeast, and Jammu and Kashmir, Shah directed the Director Generals of Police (DGPs) to adopt a similar approach in implementing the three new criminal laws and in confronting the growing threat of narcotics.
He called for a dual approach—top-down and bottom-up—in tackling large drug cartels, with special emphasis on the extradition of major narco-offenders. He instructed that the goal of a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) be made a top police priority for the next three years.
Emphasising that police stations are central to intelligence gathering, he urged the development of credible platforms for real-time data sharing down to the grassroots level.
Reiterating that the protection of citizens' lives, property, and dignity remains the primary duty of the police, Shah directed both State Police forces and central agencies to strive for excellence and foster healthy competition in addressing internal security threats.
He also stressed the importance of implementing over 300 central and state development schemes in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas through better coordination between DGPs and state administrations.
Calling attention to the vulnerability of smaller seaports along India's maritime borders, the Home Minister said the capacity of state police must be enhanced to prevent infiltration and smuggling.
Shah concluded by reviewing current counter-terror initiatives and directed that stringent legal action be taken against repeat offenders.
(ANI)