Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, delivered the ‘37th Intelligence Bureau Centenary Endowment Lecture’ in New Delhi. On this occasion, the Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, former Directors of the Intelligence Bureau, Directors General of Central Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces, and senior officials from the Intelligence Bureau and the Ministry of Home Affairs were present.
In his address, the Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, our security agencies have established dominance over various threats to the nation by fighting a decisive battle over the last 5 years. He highlighted that till five years ago, the country faced three long-standing issues - the Northeast, Left-Wing Extremism, and Kashmir, that challenged its peace, law and order, security, and future. He added that due to the strict policies and tough decisions of the Modi government, the upcoming generations no longer need to worry about these three threats, as we have achieved almost decisive victory over them. Shri Shah mentioned that violent incidents in these three regions have dropped by 70%, and fatalities have reduced by approximately 86%.
Shri Amit Shah said that the working methodology of the Intelligence Bureau, its vigilance, proactiveness, decisive role, and the tradition of sacrifice and dedication—where credit is often passed on to others—have kept the country safe today. He remarked that over the past 10 years, there has been significant improvement in the Intelligence Bureau's alertness, sharpness, and capability to deliver results. He further noted that the Bureau has not only maintained its tradition of integrity, courage, sacrifice, and dedication but has also taken it forward. He said that in the face of modern challenges and difficult circumstances, the Intelligence Bureau has kept the country safe over the past five years. He further emphasized that the ecosystem of any intelligence agency is not just the foundation of security, but also a fundamental necessity for the future and development of the country. He added that no country can progress without a robust intelligence ecosystem, as without it, the sovereignty and economic development of the nation is not possible.
Shri Amit Shah stated that in today's era, the scope of sovereignty is no longer limited to territorial boundaries. He emphasized that if we do not include innovation, technology, the economy, resources, and research and development processes within the definition of sovereignty, we cannot ensure the safety of the country. He warned that even the slightest lapse in securing these areas would harm our sovereignty, and therefore, it is our duty to protect them. He further explained that security is no longer just about the protection of borders and citizens; we must now expand the definition of security to include new dimensions. He pointed out that with just one click of a Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government introduced three new criminal laws starting from July 1 this year. He said that after discussing with all the stakeholders in many meetings for 5 years, we have come up with these laws. He said that he himself was involved in the entire process of making these laws. Home Minister expressed confidence that, once these laws are fully implemented, India’s criminal justice system will become the most modern in the world. He stated that after the implementation of these laws, justice will be delivered within 3 years for any FIR registered in the country, right up to the Supreme Court. Shri Shah emphasized that by practicing these new laws, they can be used in various matters related to national security. The Home Minister pointed out that these three laws contain provisions that will address security needs in the future. He stressed the need to form a team and make arrangements for training at all levels to ensure their effective implementation.