Hindu Vivek Kendra
A RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE PROMOTION OF HINDUTVA
   
 
 
«« Back
'If They Fire, You Fire Back'

'If They Fire, You Fire Back'

Author: Sujata Dutta Sachdeva
Publication: The Times of India
Date: June 20, 2004
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow/746729.cms
 
His critics may pan him for his hardline policies in Punjab, but supercop K P S Gill has become a legend by eliminating terrorism in the state. Encounters, he says, are sometimes the only option.

Q.: Should civil society be worried about frequent encounters?
A.: In normal circumstances, encounters are not so frequent. These things happen only because our criminal justice system does not ensure punishment for an arrested criminal/terrorist. Of course, the best way is to nab a criminal alive, but if he fires at you, firing back is the only option.

While the Supreme Court condemns terrorism severely, conviction rates are very low. The tendency is to treat heinous crime somewhat leniently. In Punjab, for instance, my objective was to force a surrender with minimal casualties. Unfortunately, every single person was let off by the courts without even framing charges. It was the greatest miscarriage of justice.

Q.: How would you define your Punjab experience?
A.: Punjab was the most humane anti-terrorism campaign in the world's history. Encounters increased only after terrorists acquired sophisticated weapons like AK-47s. We had a responsibility to ensure they did not harm ordinary citizens.

Armed men could not be allowed to run amok, so they had to be engaged in encounters. Besides, it wasn't only terrorists who were killed. Both sides suffered equal causalities.During Operation Black Thunder, I used to chalk out my plan meticulously one day ahead. After completing my day's work, I reported everything to Delhi. There was not a single rebuttal from the Centre.

Q.: Would you say, that in extraordinary situations, encounters are justified?
A.: Of course, because it is war and this is the only way to counter the violence.

Q.: Is it possible to verify if a particular encounter was genuine?
A.: If civil society is conscientious and aware of its duties, then it's not difficult. Unfortunately, it's difficult to even find eyewitnesses after an incident.

Q.: Do you think that heroism attached to killing terrorists has made many police officers trigger happy?
A.: I have never come across any officer who is trigger happy. But I do feel, it depends on the seniors. If they encourage their subordinates to indulge in fake encounters, then a situation like this may happen.

Q.: Do encounters give a sense of security to ordinary citizens?
A.: It depends on which side they are. In Punjab, for example, a certain section felt unhappy when terrorists were killed.

Q.: Do you feel vindicated today?
A.: When former Khalistani leaders say terrorism is dead, I feel vindicated. I know I have done the right thing the right way.
 


Back                          Top

«« Back
 
 
 
  Search Articles
 
  Special Annoucements