Ex DGP Ghulam Jeelani Pandit passes away
Srinagar, Sep 22: Former Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Jeelani Pandit, breathed his last on Sunday evening.
People from different walks of life, including senior officers from J&K Police, participated in his Nimaz-e-Jinaza. He was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard at the Jamalatta area in Downtown. Special Director General of Police Coordination SJM Gillani, ADGP Armed Anand Jain, IGP Kashmir V K Birdi were present on the occasion.
Born on February 22, 1933, in Srinagar, Pandit joined the Jammu and Kashmir Police Service early in his career, rising through the ranks with a reputation for integrity and operational acumen. He assumed the pivotal role of DGP—the fourth police officer to hold this position in the force’s history—on May 21, 1987.
He presided over the police force during a challenging period in the late 1980s. The responsibilities of maintaining law and order in such times added weight to his role.
His passing is being widely mourned by colleagues and people from different walks of life. The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has condoled the passing away of Pandit. In a condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor said: “Saddened to learn about the passing away of Shri Gulam Jeelani Pandit Ji, former DGP of Jammu Kashmir. He will always be remembered for his devotion to duty and service to the nation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this hour of grief. I pray for peace of the departed soul”.
Former Chief Minister of J&K and National Conference President, Dr. Farooq Abdullah expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise.
In his condolence message, Dr. Abdullah described the late officer as an upright, principled, and highly competent administrator who left an indelible mark on the policing and governance framework of Jammu & Kashmir. “Ghulam Jeelani Pandit Sahab was not just an officer of rare integrity and brilliance, but also a symbol of dedication and discipline in public service. His tenure in the police force reflected both professionalism and deep-rooted commitment to justice and public welfare,” Dr. Abdullah said.
He noted that Pandith’s rise to the rank of Director General of Police, a distinction shared by very few Kashmiris, including the esteemed Peer Ghulam Hassan Shah, stands as a testament to his remarkable capabilities and service record. “His contributions to maintaining law and order, and his fair-handed administrative style, will always be remembered as part of Kashmir’s modern policing legacy,” he added.
Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and former colleagues of the departed officer, Dr. Abdullah prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
“May Allah SWT grant him the highest place in Jannat and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
The National Conference office bearers also joined Dr. Farooq in paying tribute to the late officer, remembering him as a beacon of integrity and humility in public service.
DGP Nalin Prabhat expressed grief over the demise of Pandit. He prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family. The Jammu & Kashmir
Former IGP Kashmir, Javid Makhdoomi, who worked as Staff Officer when Pandit was DIG Kashmir, said the deceased was an honest officer. “He was upright and a highly dedicated officer,” Makhdoomi told Greater Kashmir, saying that Pandit also served as SSP Srinagar.
During his tenure, which spanned until his superannuation on December 1989, Pandit navigated the complexities of law enforcement in a region undergoing political and social upheaval.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police held prayers across the region and paid rich tributes to the deceased. Pandit is survived by his wife, a son, and two daughters.
