Stone-pelting down in J&K due to NIA, says Rajnath Singh

Lucknow: Union home minister Rajnath Singh has said the incidents of stone pelting in Kashmir have reduced because of the efforts of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Speaking at a function here on Sunday to inaugurate the new office and residential complex of the NIA, Mr Singh said, “You have seen the role of NIA in J&K, where the incidents of stone pelting have come down. We have taken a pledge for India’s security, and strict action is being taken. We will continue to accept challenges and in the past three years, the incidents of Naxalism, terrorism and extremism have seen a downward trend.”

He said that in the past three years, the extremism has come down by 75 per cent in the Northeast and Naxalism has come down by 35 to 40 per cent.

Emphasising on ‘finishing terror funding sources’, he said if the sources of fake currency and terror funding were plugged, it would be a big blow to terrorism.

He said that the fake currency plays a vital role in fuelling terrorism/ Naxalism. “The NIA is investigating cases of terror funding and it is doing a great job. Its name sends fear down the spine of those indulging in terror funding,” he added.

Speaking at the function, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath suggested holding a meet every six months between the NIA and state agencies. Responding, Mr Singh said, “Without better coordination, there can be no success. It is a continuous process of sharing information.”