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.