Conspiracies, terror threats haven’t ended in JK; time to safeguard peace: Outgoing DGP

Dilbag Singh given warm send-off, attains superannuation after serving 37 years service in J&K Police 

Zewan : Conspiracies and terror threats have not ended in Jammu and Kashmir, and this is the time to safeguard peace, the Union territory’s outgoing police chief Dilbag Singh said Tuesday.In his farewell speech at a function here, he said the security forces have been successful in achieving peace in the Union territory to a large extent.”We have been successful to a large extent in achieving peace. But it is not enough. What is needed is that peace should be maintained. This is the time to safeguard peace. The conspiracies have not ended and terror threats have not stopped. We have to remain alert and work together,” he told officers and personnel of the police, army, and central paramilitary forces.

Singh, a 1987-batch IPS officer, was appointed as an interim DGP in September 2018 but was made the full-time police chief a month later. He is being replaced by the special director general of police R R Swain.Singh, who was presented with a guard of honour, said, “When I was assigned the post of the DGP, I felt there were more capable persons than me. But I thank God for getting this opportunity to lead the brave force and its officers,” he said, adding the force has witnessed many phases from unrest to terror but has prevailed.He said his five-year tenure as the police chief began when the atmosphere in the erstwhile state was disappointing.

Referring to slain militant commanders Riyaz Naikoo, Zakir Musa, and Burhan Wani, as well as late separatists Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mohammad Sehrai, Singh said JK police through its bravery improved the atmosphere.There was a time when SPOs were announcing resignations as (militant) commanders were threatening them to leave their jobs, he said.”But JK Police ended that era of disappointment and made way for the return of those hundreds of SPOs. Police with bravery wiped those elements inimical to the peace and to the people,” he added. Spl DG Crime J&K, Shri A.K Choudhary while reading the profile of outgoing officer said that born to Sardar Balbir Singh and Sardarni Darshan Kaur, Shri Dilbag Singh qualified the prestigious India Police Service competition in the year 1987. He said that Shri Singh remained posted at almost all the key positions including ASP Kupwara, SP Doda, SP Baramulla, Addl DIG Anantang, DIG Baramulla, Security J&K, Jammu-Kathua rage, Director Special Security Group (DIG), IGP Crime & Railways, Traffic J&K, Jammu Zone Director SKPA Udhampur, ADGP PHQ J&K, ADGP Security, Commandant General HG/CD & SDRF, Director General Prisons.

He took over as Director General of Police J&K on 07-09-2018, the time which was full of challenges. He said that under his leadership Jammu and Kashmir Police faced various challenges successfully and added that during the period around 1055 terrorists were killed, 58 terrorists surrendered, 1448 terrorist’s supporters were arrested. During the period the force has been honoured with 01 Ashok Chakra, 03 Kirti Chakra, 13 Shaurya Chakra and 887 Police medals.

He said that under his leadership, the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has seen remarkable changes. For the first time during the last over three decades, there are no bandh calls, no hartals, education & businesses are not disturbed, people enjoying normal life and a number of good things are happening in the UT. He also threw light on various achievements of the force during the last four year. He said that during the period 11725 involved in drug trade were arrested and 98249 kilograms of Narcotic & Psychotropic Substances were seized including 741 kilogram heroin.

He said that the investigation part of the J&K Police has been strengthened to a new level. New investigation units like State Investigation Agency (SIA), State Investigation Unit (SIU), Economic Offence Wing (EOW), Anti Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) have been created.He said that Shri Dilbag Singh being the leader of over one lakh force visited the nook and corner of the UT interacting with the police personnel, listening to their grievances and subsequently addressing them. As DGP he has done record visits to all most all Districts, Units and Wings of Jammu and Kashmir Police, he said. Shri A.K Choudhary said that Shri Singh has taken a number of initiatives for the welfare of J&K Police personnel.

The Outgoing DGP was also given warm send off at PHQ at a function in which I/C DGP J&K Shri R.R Swain, Spl DG Crime J&K, Shri A.K Choudhary, ADGsP, Shri S. J. M. Gillani, Shri M.K Sinha, Shri Vijay Kumar, outgoing Chairperson PWWA Dr. Rubinder Kaur threw light on the phenomenal professional services of Shri Dilbag Singh. DIsG of different wings, AIsG, staff of PHQ participated in the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dilbag Singh appreciated the officers and staff of PHQ for complying all the orders and implementing them in letter and spirit. He said that whatever he desired to be done for the force was done by the PHQ in a desired manner. He appreciated the dedicated efforts of the PHQ staff for ensuring time bound disposal of assigned works.

I/C DGP J&K R.R Swain said on the occasion that it is a poignant moment for Smt & Shri Dilbag Singh as much as personally for him and other colleagues. He said that Shri Dilbag Singh has always stood out in taking all people, colleagues, subordinates & personnel as a one unit. He said in J&K there are many stakeholders adding that efforts of Shri Singh have always been to take along all of them. This unique leadership quality put Shri Singh as a stellar officer. He said that the tradition of Shri Singh to take colleagues all along and to give an essence of participation and essence of ownership to them will always be followed. He said that these are profound qualities which don’t come in one day, one has to hone them and some are gifts of God and a large part of it must have come from Madam Dilbag Singh. He expressed gratitude to & credited Dr Rubinder Kaur and children of Shri Singh for sparing him for the force and for the public. He thanked Shri Singh for his services to the department and said that the department will always look forward to his guidance, advice & counseling. He wished him a healthy and happy post retirement life.

In his address, Shri S. J. M. Gillani said that speaking about the professional ability of outgoing officer is nearly impossible and added that he would personally remember Shri Dilbag Singh for the amount of love and affection he has given to J&K Police Pariwar.ADGP Headquarters while speaking on the occasion said that Shri Dilbag Singh has been personification of bold and dynamic leadership and inspiration to all of us. He said that the tenure of Shri Singh as the leader of J&K Police for over five years has been marked by unwavering determination and in high degree commitment to the people he was sworn to protect and to the force he was chosen to lead.

ADGP Kashmir Zone Shri Vijay Kumar said that Shri Dilbag Singh has been always on the forefront in the fight against terrorism. He has always given priority for the safety & security of the people besides our own personnel. He has always been at the back of his subordinate officers with full support. He lauded his leadership and bold decisions. He narrated some anecdotes of his tenure as well. On behalf of Kashmir Police he wished Shri Singh & his family a happy life ahead.Wife of Shri Dilbag Singh and outgoing Chairperson PWWA thanked all the personnel of J&K Police and said that their family has lived as a part of the huge J&K Police family. She said J&K was a home away from their home.