Srinagar, August 15, KDC: In a surprise move that has sent ripples through the corridors of power in New Delhi and Srinagar, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday appointed 1992-batch IPS officer Nalin Prabhat as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir. The appointment, effective from October 1, has triggered intense speculation and analysis about the potential implications for the strife-torn Union Territory. Known for his steely resolve and unwavering courage, Prabhat is set to take charge on October 1, 2024.
Kashmir Dot Com’s Special Correspondent Babar Rather gets the investigative scoop on the newly appointed DGP of Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, a man whose career is as intriguing as the challenges he is set to face.
Hailing from Thungri village in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Prabhat is a man of action. Born on August 14, 1968, he graduated with honors in Arts and subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Arts from the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. His journey in the Indian Police Service (IPS) has been nothing short of extraordinary.
A decorated officer, Prabhat has been honored with three Police Medals for Gallantry. His contributions to the nation’s security have also been recognized with a Parakram Padak (Wound Medal), a Police Medal for Distinguished Service, a Police Medal for Meritorious Service, two Antrik Suraksha Padak (one each for Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir), and a Police (Spl Duty) Medal with Bar (J&K).
Beyond medals, Prabhat’s leadership has been lauded by his peers and superiors alike. He has received commendations from the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 2003, the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in 2005, the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on multiple occasions (2007, 2008, 2009, 2014 twice, and 2015 thrice), the DGP of Jammu and Kashmir in 2008 and 2010, and numerous other senior officers.
From his early days as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh (April 1998 to May 2001), to his subsequent roles in Cuddapah and Warangal, Prabhat’s leadership was marked by his ability to tackle complex law and order situations.
His career took a significant turn when he was appointed Deputy Director General (DDG) of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in July 2004. However, his true mettle was showcased during his tenure with the ITBP, where he commanded various units in Srinagar and Ladakh from 2004 to 2006.
It was in the CRPF that Prabhat’s career reached new heights. As the DIG of South Kashmir Operations Range from 2007 to 2010, he gained invaluable experience in counter-insurgency operations. He subsequently held key positions in Chandigarh and Bastar before returning to Kashmir as DIG Operations, Intelligence, and Training in 2010.
Prabhat’s rise continued as he was appointed Inspector General (IG) of Anti-Naxal Operations in Maharashtra and subsequently IG of Kashmir Operations Sector in the CRPF. His last assignment before joining the Jammu and Kashmir Police was as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG).
He has been at the forefront of some of the most challenging operations in the country, including the fight against Naxalism and militancy.
His stint as the head of the Greyhounds, an elite anti-Naxal force in Andhra Pradesh, is legendary. Under his command, the Greyhounds inflicted significant losses on the Naxal insurgency. This experience, coupled with his later roles in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where he held key positions in Kashmir, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities of counter-insurgency operations in the region.
The appointment of Prabhat as the Special Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, with effect from Thursday, and subsequently as DGP from October 1, is a clear indication of the Centre’s intent to bolster security in the region. The move comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a resurgence of militancy related activities.
The decision to bring in Prabhat, just three months after appointing him as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG), has raised eyebrows. While the official line is that the move is necessitated by the retirement of the incumbent DGP, R R Swain, on September 30, there is a growing sense of intrigue surrounding the timing of the decision.
Sources in the know suggest that the appointment could be linked to the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. With the security situation in the region being a crucial factor in the conduct of free and fair elections, the government may have decided to bring in a seasoned hand like Prabhat to oversee the security apparatus.
Another theory doing the rounds in Delhi’s security establishment is that Prabhat’s appointment could be a precursor to a larger reshuffle in the top echelons of the security forces. With the post of Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) lying vacant, there is speculation that Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, who has previously headed the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), could be moved to BSF. However, these are early days, and the final picture will only emerge in the coming weeks.
Regardless of the reasons behind his appointment, Nalin Prabhat’s arrival in Jammu and Kashmir is undoubtedly a significant development. With his vast experience and proven track record, he is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a renewed focus to counter-insurgency operations in the Union Territory.
As the new DGP, Prabhat will have his task cut out for him. The challenges he faces are immense. The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is volatile, and the threat from militancy is real. Moreover, the political climate in the region is fraught with tensions.
However, Prabhat is not one to shy away from challenges. His career has been defined by his ability to deliver under pressure. People of Jammu and Kashmiri will be watching his every move with a mix of hope and skepticism. The success or failure of his tenure will have far-reaching consequences for the region.
Only time will tell if Prabhat can deliver on the expectations that have been placed on him. But one thing is certain: Jammu and Kashmir is about to enter a new chapter, and Nalin Prabhat is the man at the helm.
Sources said that he was planning a trip with his family when the order came in.
Nalin Prabhat, the newly appointed Special Director General (SDG), Jammu & Kashmir Police is expected to assume charge tomorrow in Srinagar till 30.09.2024. Further, upon retirement of R. R. Swain, IPS (AGMUT:1991) on 30.09.2024, Sh.Nalin Prabhat, IPS (AP:1992) will assume the charge as DGP, Jammu & Kashmir w.e.f. 01.10.2024 and till further orders.(KDC)