Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that Islamic countries are supporting India in its fight against terrorism and underscored that it is wrong to associate terrorism with a religion.
Mr. Singh was speaking to officers and the media at the inauguration of the National Investigation Agency's Office and Residential Complex in Hyderabad.
“I am very happy to tell you that Islamic countries of the world are supporting us fully. At this time, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which is sitting today, has for the first time invited the Minister of External Affairs of India as the guest of honour,” Mr. Singh said.
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The Home Minister said that the Pulawama terror attack on a convoy of CRPF personnel had brought Indians, irrespective of faith and community, together. People from all communities have been pained by the attack, he said.
“As far as the question of terrorism goes, terrorism cannot be slotted in a caste, creed or religion. A terrorist can be from any caste, any community. But sometimes, some people try to associate it with a religion. I believe this is inappropriate,” Mr. Singh said, and added that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strong in his resolve to eliminate terrorism from Indian soil.
Speaking about the NIA's functioning, Mr Singh said that the investigation agency's success lies in the number of convictions it has secured. “I can say with certainty that of all investigation agencies in India, or perhaps the world, the conviction rate of the NIA is perhaps the highest. The NIA's conviction rate is 92%,” Mr. Singh said.
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Lauding the NIA in its effort to combat terrorism, the Home Minister said that terror funding, which plays a crucial role in promoting terrorism, has seen a significant decrease due to the investigation agency's work. Circulation of fake currency too has seen a downward trend. The NIA, he said, has taken up the challenge of dealing with complicated cases.
Mr. Singh said that the Home Ministry remains committed in its cooperation with the NIA. As a part of its unwavering support, it has approved a research cell on the terror outfit ISIS. Further, 100 new posts have also been approved for the NIA.
Speaking on the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Mr Singh said, “The truth is that our country's Abhinandan will enter India in a few hours, and will be among us.”