Asserting that the Centre will continue its zero tolerance policy towards separatism, terrorism and anti national activities, Union Home Minister minister Amit Shah today said that violence in Kashmir, North-East and Left Wing Extremism affected areas have not only reduced in a great extent but terrorists and separatists were surrendering and returning to mainstream life.

Shah made the statements in his address while participating in the 54 th Raising Day celebrations of the CISF in Hyderabad. The parade was for the first time held outside the National Capital Region.

Shah began by appreciating the crucial contribution of CISF in the country’s economic progress. He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of a $5 trillion economy before the country and in order to achieve the said target ensuring the security of the airports, seaports and institutions of national importance was very important.

“Three sectors – Kashmir, North-East and left Wing extremism affected areas – which were of concern to us, we now see a huge reduction in violence, people have more confidence and not only extremists and separatists are reducing in number but are also surrendering and returning to mainstream,” said Shah acknowledging the huge contribution of all central armed police forces (CAPF) in dealing with those perpetuating violence.

He went on to add, “In coming days the policy of Narendra Modi government of zero tolerance against terrorism will be continued. Separatism, terrorism and anti-national activities in any part of the country will be dealt with firmly and the role of CAPF and state police are very crucial in this context.”

The Union Minister said that in order to equip the CISF with all the latest state-of the art technologies to enhance security at ports, airports and industrial units the Home ministry has already prepared an action plan. Shah also assured the force that in future CISF will have a greater role to play in ensuring security of private companies as well in addition to major installations in the country. Currently, CISF provides security at 11 private institutions and installations.

He said CISF has adopted a hybrid model and contrary to the apprehension in some quarters of the media that this will shrink the role of CISF it will actually pave the way for the force to get involved in advisory or consultant roles in private companies as well. In future CISF will be able to protect even private companies from the threat of drones or other modern technology, said Shah. Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Union tourism minister G Kishan Reddy were also present at the Raising Day celebrations of CISF at National Industrial Security Academy in Hakimpet in Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, a new poster put up by the ruling BRS greeted Amit Shah in Hyderabad today which mocked the late entrants to BJP who joined the Saffron party following probes or raids by central investigating agencies and were declared whitewashed.

While the heading read “Washing powder Nirma” the cheerful face of the girl of the ad campaign was replaced by images of Himanta Biswa Sharma, Narayan Rane, Suvendu Adhikari, Sujana Chowdary, Arjun Khotkar, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Eshwarappa and Virupakshappa who joined the BJP from other political parties. At the bottom the hoarding read, “Welcome to Amit Shah”.

The BRS sharpened its attack on BJP through posters ever since party MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha was grilled by ED officials. She returned yesterday to Hyderabad by a special flight at the end of her interrogation and went to Pragathi Bhavan to meet her father. She has been asked to appear before the ED again on 16 March.