No family member of terrorists, stone pelters to receive Govt jobs in J&K: Amit Shah

New Delhi, May 27: In a significant move, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that no family member of terrorists or close relatives of stone pelters will be eligible for government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir.

This announcement underscores the Modi government’s firm stance on eradicating terrorism and its ecosystem in the region.

In an interview with PTI, Shah detailed the government's uncompromising strategy.

“In Kashmir, we have decided that if someone joins a terrorist organization, their family members will not receive any government job,” he said.

Shah extended this policy to stone pelters as well, affirming that their families too will be barred from government employment.

Despite challenges from human rights activists who approached the Supreme Court, the government’s stance prevailed.

However, Shah mentioned an exception: if a family member comes forward to inform authorities about a relative joining a terror outfit, relief may be provided to that family.

Shah highlighted the changes in handling the funerals of terrorists.

Previously, large processions were a common occurrence, but now, terrorists are buried with full religious rites in isolated locations to prevent public gatherings.

"When a terrorist is surrounded by security forces, he is first given a chance to surrender. We bring in family members like his mother or wife to appeal for his surrender. If he refuses, he faces the consequences," Shah said.

The Home Minister said that there was a substantial decline in terror incidents due to the government's dual approach of targeting terrorists and dismantling the terror ecosystem.

“The National Investigation Agency has taken decisive actions against terror funding, significantly curbing it,” he said.

Regarding the Popular Front of India (PFI), Shah confirmed that the government has banned its publications and propaganda under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The PFI, a group founded in Kerala, was banned in September 2022 due to its alleged terror links.

Touching upon the case of Amritpal Singh, a pro-Khalistani separatist, Shah revealed, “We have incarcerated him under the NSA (National Security Act).”

Singh, the leader of ‘Waris Punjab De’ was arrested in April 2023 and is currently lodged in Dibrugarh jail, Assam.

Despite his incarceration, Singh has filed nomination papers to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency.

Union Home Ministry data highlights the impact of these stringent measures.

Terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir dropped from 228 in 2018 to approximately 50 in 2023.

Encounters between security forces and terrorists decreased from 189 in 2018 to around 40 in 2023.

Civilian casualties due to terror incidents fell from 55 in 2018 to about five in 2023, and security personnel fatalities reduced from 91 in 2018 to around 15 in 2023.

The government's firm actions have led to a notable decline in terrorism and its support systems in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant shift towards lasting peace and security in the region.