He cared little for means, but still deserves credit

Chaman Lal

When KPS Gill was DGP in Punjab and terrorism was at its peak, I worked under him as Inspector General (Border), Amritsar. But I differed with him on the way the police was functioning under him and thus became a known critic of Punjab Police of that time.

However, I must confess and give credit to him. Mr Gill was an outstanding police officer and leader who embodied great secular and nationalist credentials and there was nothing petty that could be attributed to him.

With his demise, the police force in India has lost a great leader who always backed his men irrespective of situations and circumstances, provided the assigned task was accomplished. This very approach in dealing with his team members had greatly enhanced the capacity of Punjab Police to confront and win over terrorism.

Obituaries: 

• Super, and controversial, top cop
• He stood by his men, say former colleagues
• Modi recalls Gill’s service to nation
• An exceptional leader
• He cared little for means, but still deserves credit

However, the contribution made by Mr Gill’s predecessor at the time of Operation Bluestar, Julio Ribeiro, cannot be ignored, as his efforts to energise Punjab Police came to his advantage.

Mr Gill then proved the point that if the force is commanded well, it can be dependable and play the primary role in society. As a police officer, it feels heartening to see Andhra Pradesh police adopting the Gill doctrine in their efforts to deal with Left Wing extremists.

The precision in Mr Gill’s approach made him a successful leader, as he exposed the criminal character of the pro-Khalistan leadership to deny them the local support, which they were getting. The Sikhs thought that they were not fighting for their cause. It was only Mr Gill who proved a point that terrorism is not an ideology; rather, it is a tactic to defeat the state.

His unique methods made Mr Gill a great police officer, as he was selfless and always believed in the noble cause to do good to society. But he often transgressed from the rule of law and Constitution. Here I had great differences. 

I believed we should fight any kind of menace without compromising on human rights and corruption. But he believed in getting results without caring for the means.

However, Mr Gill will always be remembered for bringing normalcy back in Punjab — though with harsh and ruthless policing without caring much for human rights and corrupt practices adopted by personnel. 

Still, I will say, Mr Gill not only embodied, but imparted, courage, professionalism, honesty and service, for which he will be remembered forever. — The writer served as IGP, Punjab & DGP, Nagaland