New Delhi, Sept 17 . As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks his 75th birthday today, the nation also commemorates a transformative journey in India’s internal security landscape under his 11-year leadership.
From the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir to the near elimination of Naxalism, PM Modi’s tenure has reshaped India’s internal security framework, ensuring peace, development and integration.
In a decade of decisive action on internal security, India under the leadership of PM Modi has overseen over 70 per cent drop in terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and zero major bomb blasts in Indian cities in the past 11 years.
Moreover, stone-pelting incidents reduced from 2,100 in 2018 to zero to date. The country also saw the systematic dismantling of the terror and separatist ecosystem and rapid decline in Naxal violence, with a target of full eradication by March 2026.
The abrogation of Article 370 was a turning point in Indian history. On August 5, 2019, the Modi government took a historic and bold decision by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A, ending the decades-long special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This move, upheld by the Supreme Court as constitutional, paved the way for peace, prosperity and democratic empowerment in the region.
The government had stated that Article 370 sowed the seeds of separatism, isolating generations of Kashmiri youth from the national mainstream. Its removal has led to massive improvement in law and order and crores of tourists, including foreigners, visiting the union Territory.
Jammu and Kashmir also witnessed record voter turnout in both Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
Development in J&K took a giant leap with IIT, IIM, AIIMS, highways, tunnels, and bridges coming up and putting the UT on the country’s map of development.
In one of the most iconic moments of political symbolism, PM Modi had hoisted the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar at a time when terrorism was at its peak. It was a courageous act of defiance against terrorism. Years later, Krishna Janmashtami tableaux, Muharram processions and night film shows have returned to the same Lal Chowk, not as a battlefield, but as a symbol of unity and cultural coexistence.
PM Modi had once said, “Earlier, in most of the schemes and laws framed for the nation, the words ‘except J&K’ were mentioned. Now it has become a thing of the past. The path of peace and development, on which Jammu & Kashmir is moving forward, has paved the way for new industries in the state. Today, Jammu & Kashmir is contributing to the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign.”
After the constitutional changes and reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu-Kashmir, the union Territories of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh have been fully integrated into the mainstream of the nation.
As a result, all the rights enshrined in the Constitution of India and benefits of all the Central Laws that were being enjoyed by other citizens of the country are now available to the people of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh.
While Jammu and Kashmir saw the end of a separatist era, India’s Red Corridor, long plagued by Maoist violence, is nearing a historic transformation. From Bihar to Chhattisgarh, the Modi government has led a decisive crackdown on Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
With the neutralisation of several Naxals, including top commanders with bounty on their heads, the government’s ruthless approach has given a major blow to the insurgency.
Over 6.5 crore people in affected regions are now benefitting from restored governance and development.
PM Modi’s government has set a target to make India “Naxal-free by March 31, 2026”.
. RBE A. PRS
