Is J&K poised for a new DG of J&K Police, or will DGP Dilbagh Singh get an extension? Revival of terrorism in Rajouri-Poonch range a big concern

Is J&K poised for a new DG of J&K Police, or will DGP Dilbagh Singh get an extension? Revival of terrorism in Rajouri-Poonch range a big concern

SALIL RAINA

(POONCH TODAY NEWS)

POONCH/JAMMU: In the power corridors and on important public platforms, huge debate is going on about J&K getting a new DGP or the sitting DGP getting an extension based on his good performance on the terrorism front and for establishing peace in the valley. But as per a government order issued a few days ago, the sitting DGP shall retire on October 31, 2023.

But behind the curtains, rumors are going on that he may get an extension based on his good performance on the terrorism front and due to his full knowledge of the state of ongoing affairs in the J&K UT ahead of the upcoming elections. On the other hand, there are also reports within the police department that the most dedicated, professional, and performance-oriented officer, currently holding an important position, is also in the race for the next DGP. The officer in question was empanelled as the new DG a few weeks ago by the appointment committee of the cabinet. During his professional career spanning nearly three decades, he remained an asset to the police and won huge respect because of his honesty and professionalism. Moreover, the sudden announcement about the transfer of ADGP Mukesh Singh from J&K police to ITBP as IGP is adding fuel to the rumors that DGP Dilbagh Singh may get an extension because he is well versed in the J&K situation. It is not clear yet officially whether DGP Dilbagh Singh will get an extension or if J&K is poised for a new DGP.  It is important to mention here that the 1987 Batch IPS officer, Dilbagh Singh, was appointed as DGP J&K in September 2018, during the most challenging time when terrorism and separatist sentiments were at their peak. When the BJP-PDP government fell and governor rule was imposed, the most challenging job for the government was to restore people’s faith in the institution of governance. The appointment of Dilbagh Singh (IPS) as DGP during crucial hours was full of challenges, and coming up to the expectations of the government, J&K police under his leadership did a lot, especially after the abrogation of temporary articles 370 and 35-A. The separatist forces and anti-national sentiments were taken to task strongly, and as a result, the traditional stone-pelting gangs and Hurriyat forces that blackmailed New Delhi for decades found themselves nowhere. J&K police, with the support of security forces and agencies, have broken the bone of terrorism in the J&K UT. Separatist forces were given a knee-jerk, and due to the tough posture adopted by J&K police under DGP Dilbagh Singh and his team, they were able to play a big role in restoring normalcy in J&K, particularly in the Kashmir region, to a large extent. Launching a scathing attack against the drug mafia, more than 2000 cases were registered, and nearly 3000 people were arrested. On the law and order front, J&K police under Dilbagh Singh (IPS) performed extraordinarily. The Muharram procession was taken out after 34 years, and it was a sign of complete normalcy in Kashmir for which the DGP deserved appreciation. Complete normalcy led to a heavy rush of tourists in the valley, which is still not digestible by the forces inimical to peace. The DGP took various welfare measures for police personnel, including SPOs, and the other day he also informed the youth to get ready for police recruitment. If the DGP remained successful on various fronts, on the other side, the DGP was questioned on many administrative fronts, as people in the police have often assumed that those having links with top brass were appointed to prestigious postings and others with meritorious performances were ignored because they had no strong links. On the law and order front, DGP did a commendable job, but on social media, he was questioned by a former police officer who indulged in severe professional attacks against him. The former police officer, who was seen trouncing the DGP and other top-ranking police and civil officers through his social media posts, remained in media attention, but he too was questioned on social media for disorderliness against the top police and civil officers in the government. However, despite facing various professional attacks, DGP Dilbagh Singh preferred to maintain calm by giving due respect to his chair and profession. The gesture of maintaining professional discipline by the DGP during rough hours was appreciated by all and will serve as a professional lesson for other police officers in the future. Dilbagh Singh (IPS) has become the longest-serving DGP of J&K police in J&K after former DGP Kuldeep Khoda (IPS), now retired. The tenure of Dilbagh Singh as DGP mostly remained successful on the terrorism front and for establishing normalcy in J&K, particularly in the Kashmir region. Meanwhile, the attempts to revive terrorism by Pakistan in the Poonch-Rajouri region have become a big concern from an internal security point of view, so the top brass of the police needs to address this issue sooner rather than later. No doubt more than 10 terrorists have been neutralized by the Poonch police and army during the last four months with the recovery of arms and ammunition. In addition to this, nine PSAs were issued and 30 people were arrested under the NDPS, but a lot more needed to be done to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in this highly sensitive Rajouri-Poonch range by launching an all-out war against the revival of terrorism and the drug mafia. The success story of establishing peace in the J&K, especially in the valley, by the J&K police under DGP Dilbagh Singh, fully supported by the security forces and agencies, needs to be adopted in the highly sensitive Rajouri-Poonch range by whoever remains or comes at the helm of affairs in the J&K police.