‘Foreign-inspired terrorism no longer visible’: Union home secretary

Home Secy Govind Mohan speaks on changing internal security landscape

NEW DELHI: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has said that foreign-inspired terrorism has been largely contained in India, barring a few areas, while homegrown terrorism has nearly been eliminated."Homegrown terrorism has almost ended, while foreign-inspired terrorism is no longer visible in any other part of the country," he said.Speaking in Hyderabad, Mohan also identified narcotics, cybercrime and illegal immigration as key challenges facing Indian Police Service (IPS) trainees."Militant naxalism has come to an end; North East insurgency reduced to minuscule levels," he said.His remarks come amid a push by the Centre for stronger regional cooperation to combat terrorism and organised crime.Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday called on BIMSTEC member countries to strengthen cooperation against terrorism, disrupt terrorist financing and prevent terrorist networks from establishing safe havens in the region.Addressing the first Home Ministers’ Meeting of BIMSTEC countries in New Delhi, Shah said India follows a policy of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and stressed the need for collective action to strengthen regional security.

“Hosting the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting is a matter of great pride and fortune for India. BIMSTEC, in a way, has become an essential platform for regional integration, economic cooperation and collective security.With the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India is going ahead today," Shah said.

“We have always been committed to peace, coexistence and human welfare. We continue to be committed to these even today.

India has never believed in attacking any country or establishing dominance over them. India has always believed in upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country and peaceful resolution of differences,” he added.Shah said trust among BIMSTEC members was strengthened by the understanding that each country's security arrangements should contribute to the security of others.He called for a collective commitment to ensure that terrorist networks could not find shelter, establish bases or training facilities, mobilise resources or carry out activities against other member countries.