The Centre will ensure a peaceful, secure and harmonious environment in the country in 2016, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday, adding, security of women will be the top priority of the Government.
As 2015 draws to a close, the Minister also underscored that the security scenario has shown marked improvement during the year, especially in Jammu&Kashmir and the Northeast.
“We wish to ensure peaceful, secure and harmonious environment in the country. Women’s security has been our top priority. We want to further consolidate the trends of decreasing levels of crimes and violence in 2016,” Singh told news agency PTI.
Terming 2015 as a remarkable year for his ministry, Singh said, “Security scenario has shown marked improvement. There is decline in violent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and left Wing Extremism-affected areas. We have taken several steps and initiatives to improve the security environment.”
Singh said setting up of Investigative Units on Crimes Against Women (IUCAWs) in 2015 to expedite probe into crimes against women was an indicative of the Narendra Modi Government’s intention and concern for women’s security.
“Introduction of 33 per cent reservation in jobs for women in police forces was also a significant step in 2015,” he said.
The Home Minister said due to pro-active steps, cattle smuggling through the Indo-Bangladesh border has reduced significantly. Singh said other international borders, being guarded by the paramilitary forces under the control of the Home Ministry, remained relatively peaceful.
The Home Ministry is planning to set up National Emergency Response System (NERS) in 2016 with a dedicated telephone number 112 for receiving all emergency calls and promptly responding to them to help citizens seeking emergency assistance, he said.
He said cyber security network will be further strengthened in 2016 through setting up of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4Cs).
In the recently concluded DGPs conference in Rann of Kutch, the Home Minister had expressed serious concern over radicalisation of youths through social media and other online forums.
Singh had said the activities of the ISIS have been witnessed in India.
He had put emphasis on better coordination between the Central and State agencies to check the threat of ISIS, saying the terror group has been trying to enhance its foothold in India’s neighbourhood — Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
Singh had said the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir was much better this year than the previous years, as security forces did a commendable job in controlling activities of terror groups.
The situation in Naxal- affected States was fast improving but a multi-pronged approach was needed to tackle the situation, he had said.
Singh had said that due to the personal interest taken by the Prime Minister, the framework for resolution of Naga problem has been established this year.
Allaying the apprehension of Christians over safety and security of minorities under thre NDA Government, Singh had last week told Christian leader here, “I want to tell the bishops and cardinals that if you are facing any problem, you can contact me directly. I will try and solve your issues.”
At a Christmas dinner organised by Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), the apex decision-making body of Catholic Church in India, the minister had said, “I will not let injustice happen to you.” Rajnath promises secure, harmonious 2016.