“Destiny is not created by the shoes that we wear but by the steps that we take”.

Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, GOC of the Srinagar based Chinar Corps is a great soldier and leader with incredible capacity of meeting any challenge.
When the militants had launched a attack on the outskirts of Srinagar killing and injuring unarmed CRPF personnel, returning from leave, the veteran General made a cool assessment of the situation. Taking cue from his vast professional experience in counter operations, he came to the conclusion that a healthy working relationship between the Awaam, civil administration and the Army was of primary importance for effectively combating militancy. It was necessary to ensure that irresponsible rhetoric exuded by wayward individuals on sensitive matters did not go to the advantage of the adversary.
It was in this uneasy background that the intrepid Commander coined the term ‘ TEAM SECURITY FORCES(SF)’ . This worked and the result is before us to see in terms of the operational successes since adoption of this strategy . He conceptualized and initiated the strategy of outreaching the people of the State with the purpose of re-establishing the much needed Army-civil synergy with renewed vigor and pragmatism. Post abrogation of Article 370, situation in Kashmir Valley has remained peaceful, which is exemplified by the synergy within the Security forces and civil administration.
The importance of mothers in the Holy Koran, “ Do good and serve your mother, then your mother and then your mother and then your father “ guided General Dhillon to make his first direct contact with the Mothers . He appealed to them to not allow their children to be misguided by the inimical forces and guaranteed their safety and rehabilitation , should they decide to drop the gun and join the mainstream. This appeal, often repeated from various platforms, has resulted in many young boys returning to their families.
Appropriate mix of human resource and technology was put together on the Line of Control (LOC) to effectively prevent infiltration. This enhanced the ability of detecting, intercepting and killing infiltrating militants . Top militant leadership was killed leaving many Tanzeems without anyone willing to come forward to pick up the reins. Pro active operations by Team SF also ensured depleted cadre strength. The strategy proved effective in putting the militants in disarray and tremendous pressure. Ceasefire violations from the other side of the LoC are given calibrated but appropriate response, firmly retaining moral ascendancy over the adversary.
It was not a ‘ fair weather’ situation for General Dhillon to reach the people . Malicious elements with vested interests had tried to create a wedge and aspersions were cast on Army’s intentions and environment was vitiated by floating falsehood and charade.
He reached out to the civil population in far flung areas, referring to them as ‘Humsayas’: the extended family , with whom the Army celebrates and faces challenges together !!!!! Instructions for formation of “ Khariyat” teams were issued so that the Army could extend humanitarian assistance to people in remote mountainous regions where they live in harshest climatic and topographical conditions.
A strong votary of zero tolerance towards human rights violations, the General went to the length of instructing his subordinates to conduct CT Ops in a professional and people friendly manner with minimal collateral damage and inconvenience to the local population.
Very few Commanders anywhere in the world can muster such a high level of self confidence mixed with great sense of humanism. Undoubtedly, no better proof of Army’s resolve to protect and uphold human rights and dignity of civilians can be recalled when it is charged with conducting counter operations. It speaks eloquently for the General’s genuine concern for the ordinary people or Awaam. The gap between the awaam and the jawan has been bridged, and there is a marked improvement in the situation as it exists today.
The Nation has lauded the Security Forces for their courage and determination in protecting and preserving the integrity and sovereignty of the State while combating externally sponsored and internally supported armed insurgents in Kashmir. This is the recognition of the bold and forthright initiative taken by General Dhillon to give new shape and vigour to counter insurgency effort in J&K.
But conscious of his duty towards the forces he commands, the General has, among various other engagements, focused attention on improving the infrastructure for serving soldiers deployed in extremely challenging and inhospitable terrain. He has taken a number of initiatives for improving facilities to war veterans, veer naris, their dependants .
The over six feet tall General ‘Tiny’ Dhillon’s message for the youth is simple but huge “ Study hard, play hard, stay healthy, respect your teachers and parents, stay away from guns & drugs , concentrate on your future, become a good citizen….. take your family to another level.”
These’ Awaam’ really is his ‘Jaan’!!!!!!!