Gill’s strategy was psychological as much as it was tactical. He understood the psyche of the militant leadership. He turned captured militants into double agents. These "Cats" would lead police teams to hideouts, identify couriers, and infiltrate the inner circles of the secessionist leaders like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
He faced criticism and legal scrutiny regarding the disappearance and murder of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, though Gill himself was never charged. Human Rights Watch Literary and Intellectual Life
Gill served in various capacities in the Punjab Police, including as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in several districts. He gained notoriety for his tough stance against Sikh militants during the 1980s, when Punjab was plagued by terrorism. In 1986, he was appointed as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Border Security Force (BSF), where he played a crucial role in curbing militancy along the India-Pakistan border. kps gill the paramount cop pdf 72
The images beamed across the world were transformative. They showed Sikh police officers clearing the holy shrine, not Hindu army generals. It stripped the militants of their religious cloak, exposing them as gunmen holding a holy place hostage. It was a masterstroke of counter-insurgency. Gill emerged not just as a cop, but as the savior of the state’s integrity.
While supporters view him as a national hero, critics and international organizations like Human Rights Watch have raised serious allegations regarding human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and a policy of impunity during his operations. Gill’s strategy was psychological as much as it
that chronicles the life and career of Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, the former Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab often referred to as India’s "Supercop"
While largely hagiographic, the book mentions the allegations of human rights violations leveled against Gill by activists, which he often dismissed as attempts to undermine effective policing. Amazon.com Critical Perspective Reviews from Hindustan Times These "Cats" would lead police teams to hideouts,
: The book focuses on K.P.S. Gill’s role in counter-terrorism operations, particularly his leadership during the late 1980s and early 1990s to eliminate militancy in Punjab.