Says J&K ‘Proxy War Theatre’ for Pak
New Delhi, Nov 1 — National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday said that terrorism has been effectively controlled across India, noting that the last major terror attack outside Jammu and Kashmir occurred in 2013.
Speaking at the Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture on Governance, Doval asserted that “facts are facts, and they cannot be disputed,” emphasizing that India’s security agencies have successfully countered terrorism over the years. He recalled that a major incident took place on July 1, 2005, followed by the last major attack in the hinterland in 2013. “Except for Jammu and Kashmir — which has been a theatre of proxy war for Pakistan — the country has remained secure from terrorist attacks,” he said.
The NSA credited the success to proactive efforts by security forces, including arrests and the recovery of explosives, adding that despite persistent threats, “enemies have not succeeded.” He also highlighted that left-wing extremism has sharply declined since 2014, now confined to less than 11% of the areas previously affected, with most districts earlier classified as Maoist-prone now considered safe.
Doval further said that India has built a credible deterrence capability to respond to any internal or external threats. “It is not enough to have security measures; every Indian must feel secure. We must demonstrate both will and strength to respond to any threat to our national security,” he stated.
Calling for inclusive governance, the NSA stressed the need to support the marginalized and ensure women’s safety. “Empowering the deprived, the weak, and women is vital for good governance in today’s world,” he added. (Agencies)
