Determined to defeat terrorism again: DGP Swain

Jammu, July 6: Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain Saturday reiterated that the designs of foreign terrorists pushed by the adversary to intimidate people and revive terrorism (in Jammu region) would not be allowed to succeed with the support of masses.

He asserted that JKP and its security partners were determined to defeat terrorism again and eliminate them (foreign terrorists). “It was just a question of time when they’ll start getting killed,” DGP said.

He was responding to media queries on the sidelines of a function convened to distribute appointment letters among seven Special Police Officers (SPOs) recently promoted (absorbed) as Constables for their valorous act in the operation where three foreign terrorists were killed in Gandoh on June 26. ADGP Law and Order Vijay Kumar and ADGP Jammu zone Anand Jain accompanied him.

“As far as present situation is concerned, the adversary has created a challenge for us by pushing foreign terrorists to this side, taking advantage of porous border, with an objective to revive and bring back dark days of terrorism again and thus create a reign of terror,” DGP said, when his comment was sought on present security situation in the region.

“They (foreign terrorists) are not much in number. We along with other security forces, working in perfect synergy, are determined to neutralise them, with the active support of people. We’ve defeated them in the past as well,” Swain said.

He reiterated that foreign terrorists did not have any stakes hence they were indulging in killing innocent people. “They are aware that they belong to none here. They don’t come under the ambit of law. They have committed massacres. They want to intimidate people as they used to do in the past by creating a reign of terror. However their evil designs to bring back those days of terror will not be allowed to succeed. Their tactics will not go for long. It’s just a matter of time and they will be eliminated. As people are with us in this mission, we will tackle them effectively,” he said.

In response to a question about the advantage of setting up border battalions, DGP said that it would be clear in the days to come as new recruits had just joined their duties (on the borders).

“They are not exactly deployed on the frontlines (they don’t constitute the first line of defence). They have a different duty to perform i.e., to gather intelligence; immediately and appropriately react and respond to that intelligence (input); create a close network with the border people against terrorism and infiltration; work in synergy with the Village Defence Guards “(VDGs) to create a system to make infiltration utmost impossible and even if somehow manages to infiltrate, should not be allowed to go back. Either he (infiltrator) should be apprehended or killed,” DGP Swain said, while explaining the duty profile of new recruits of border battalions.

In response to a question about the efforts to apprehend or eliminate remaining terrorists hiding in Jammu region after successful Gandoh operation, DGP said that the tactics or strategy could not be discussed in an open forum. “Question can be asked only about broader commitment and determination. If that’s a question, rest assured that determination is there. The coordination and interoperability of forces -Jammu and Kashmir Police and its security partners is there and that of the people, VDGs and the SPOs - all of it is there. Therefore it is only a question of time when they’ll start getting eliminated,” he said.

He stated that the policy to fight terrorists was already there but the effort was being made to take it to a different level by honouring the act of valour as it would act as a morale-booster for them as well as for others.

“To encourage the police personnel, including SPOs, who perform their duties with dedication, are absorbed as Constables. We want that the members of the families of these personnel, their relatives, villagers, community members and other citizens, participating in these functions (absorption as Constables) feel proud of their (personnel’s) valour and achievements. Felicitation of these personnel, who are working day and night to safeguard people and ensure security of the nation, inspires others also to contribute their bit to protect the integrity of the nation,” DGP said, while explaining the rationale behind organising functions to felicitate and distribute appointment letters to the SPOs, recently promoted as Constables.

An official spokesperson said DGP, ADGP Law and Order and ADGP Jammu zone visited district Doda on Saturday.

At DPL Helipad, the DGP was warmly welcomed by the DIG DKR Range Shridhar Patil; Harvinder Singh DC Doda; SSP Doda Javaid Iqbal; Commandant IR-5th Bn Ghulam Jeelani and other jurisdictional officers of district Doda. On arrival, a guard of honor was presented to the DGP.

The DIG DKR Range and SSP Doda Javaid Iqbal appraised the DGP about the overall situation of the district, achievement on terrorism front and success story of police personnel who recently neutralised three terrorists in Gandoh area. DGP was apprised that they (terrorists) had sneaked into the district and made an effort to revive terrorism in the area. “But the valour and exceptional courage displayed by police personnel foiled their designs by neutralising them in a highly praiseworthy act,” it was stated. DIG DKR range thanked the DGP J&K for giving in-depth guidance in every area of policing due to which the morale of police personnel was high to tackle any challenge on terrorism front and this operation had caused a major setback to terrorists.

Complimenting the achievement of personnel, the DIG also said that the personnel, who executed the work of neutralizing three terrorists in Gandoh area, also made their families feel proud with their exemplary work.

Swain, while addressing the officers and personnel and their families who were special invitees at this function, highly appreciated their act of bravery and said, “Such events make the senior officers feel proud and police senior functionaries are day and night working and committed to extend benefit to the deserving jawans who display act of bravery and dedication in the line of duty.” The DGP congratulated the SPOs and their families and emphasized upon the officers and officials to work with same dedication and courage to make the police organization feel proud. The DGP distributed the appointment letters to the SPOs who had shown exceptional courage in neutralizing three terrorists in the Gandoh area recently.

The ADGP Law and Order Vijay Kumar, while addressing  the participants complimented the personnel for displaying the act of bravery and advised them to keep doing good work in future with all precautionary measures. Anand Jain ADGP Jammu zone also highly lauded their act of bravery and advised the officers and officials to work with same zeal and enthusiasm in future also.

A general Darbar of officers and officials was also held at DPL Doda and the DGP J&K listened to their grievances. On spot directions were passed to the ADGP L&O, ADGP Jammu zone and DIG DKR Range, district SSP to address their grievances. The vote of thanks was presented by Vinod Kumar ASP Bhaderwah.

DGP honoured a total of 32 police personnel, including two officers, for their crucial role in the recent encounter.