Just as Modi government finished off Naxalism, it will also eliminate menace of drugs: Amit Shah

Panaji: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that the Narendra Modi government will eradicate the menace of drugs just like it had eliminated the scourge of Naxalism from the country.

The five decade-old problem of Naxalism has now become a thing of the past, Shah said referring to the relentless campaign mounted by security forces against Left Wing Extremism over the past few years. It had led to the outlawed movement's top leadership being wiped out and hundreds of ultras surrendering, resulting in the government declaring the country Naxalism-free on March 31 this year.

Shah was addressing reporters after chairing a high level meeting on narcotics here, which was attended by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as well as high ranking officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the state government.


"The five-decade-old problem of Naxalism has today almost become a thing of the past. Most of the people who imagined the Red Corridor have today surrendered by laying down arms and are joining the mainstream," Shah said.

"The way Naxalism was eliminated from the country, the Union government will similarly eliminate the menace of drugs," Shah said.

Lauding PM Modi, he said the Centre has taken numerous steps to strengthen the country's internal security, which faced three formidable problems, comprising terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxalism and unrest created by armed groups in the Northeast.

"In addition, on the internal security front, the country was also greatly troubled by several bomb blasts. There were large-scale movements regarding the safety of women. It was precisely during that period that Modi ji assumed the office of prime minister," he said.

Under his leadership, since 2019, the situation has changed significantly, Shah said hailing the efforts of the Union government under Modi.

"After the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the feeling of separatism has reduced considerably. The figures of terrorism are gradually shrinking and moving towards zero. Jammu and Kashmir has progressed on the path of development," the Union Home Minister said.

Successful efforts have also been made to bridge the mental distance that existed between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country, he pointed out.

Shah said around 11,000 youth have laid down arms in the north-east states.

"The government of India has signed more than 14 agreements with them, and today the Northeast is also progressing on the path of development," Shah said.

After 2019, a campaign has also been launched against fugitives who fled the country after committing crimes, Shah said.

"From 2019 to July 2026, a total of 274 fugitives have been extradited from 36 countries. These include people involved in serious crimes such as economic offences, terrorism, narcotics, and gang wars," he informed.