New Delhi, Oct 27: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said that there has been a 34 percent reduction in militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

He said this after inaugurating a 2-day ‘Chintan Shivir’ to discuss problems relating to internal security at Surajkund, Haryana.

Addressing the inaugural session, Shah also said that the government has decided to set up National Investigation Agency (NIA) branches in every state by 2024.

” A 64 per cent reduction in deaths of security personnel and 90 per cent reduction in civilian deaths have been recorded after the revocation of Article 370. Apart from this, an investment of Rs 57,000 crore has also been seen in J&k since then.”

Stressing on the collective responsibility of the states and the Centre to effectively deal with cross-border crimes, he said that the NIA has been given special powers.

He added that various suggestions have been received regarding reforms in the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and said that the government will bring new drafts in Parliament soon.

Shah added that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) has been amended to prevent its misuse by NGOs. “Government has taken strict measures against such NGOs, which were obstructing the development of India,” he said.

He added that the Shivir will help in drawing up a joint plan to tackle cyber crimes, narcotics smuggling, cross-border militancy, sedition etc.

Home Ministers of all the states, Lt Governors and Administrators of Union Territories are participating in this two-day meeting. kns