NEW DELHI: Reaffirming the Modi government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism “from its roots,” home minister Amit Shah on Monday warned that those behind the November 10 car bomb blast in Delhi will be tracked down “even from the depths of the netherworld,” brought before the courts, and given the harshest punishment.
Speaking at the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) in Faridabad, Haryana — attended by chief ministers, lieutenant governors, and administrators from northern states — Shah said the zonal councils have played a key role in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a strong nation built on strong states. He emphasised that these councils are vital forums for dialogue, cooperation, coordination, and policy synergy.
Highlighting the need for swift justice in crimes against women and children, Shah called for faster investigations in POCSO and rape cases and urged states to increase the number of fast-track special courts. He also stressed the importance of combating malnutrition and stunting.
Referring to the implementation of the three new criminal laws, Shah said they have already shown “very positive results.” He urged states and UTs to adopt technology to strengthen investigations, enhance forensic capabilities, and integrate courts online.
Shah noted that although zonal councils were originally advisory bodies, they have evolved over the past decade into action-oriented platforms delivering measurable outcomes. He pointed out that the number of meetings jumped from 25 (2004–2014) to 64 between 2014 and 2025, calling this increase a reflection of “PM Modi’s concept of TEAM Bharat.” According to him, the councils have discussed 1,600 issues and resolved 1,303 of them — an 81.43% resolution rate.
The Northern Zonal Council’s agenda on Monday included discussions on urban master planning, power systems, strengthening PACSs, reducing child malnutrition, lowering school dropout rates, and improving participation of public hospitals in the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
