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The K P S Gill Chat

On camera and in his interviews, K P S Gill comes across almost like an automaton. His eyes, his face, his voice register no emotion. The Rediff Chat was different. Punjab's former police chief -- the man widely credited with winning the battle against terrorism in the state -- was animated as he discussed the human rights activists's campaign against Punjab police officers accused of extrajudicial executions. The transcript is a revelation.
Balwinder (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:37 IST)

Mr Gill, former Human right activist J S Khalra who is no more with us had claimed that more than 2,000 innocent people were cremated in your tenure, can you explain your stance?


Mumtaz (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:38 IST)

Mr Gill, Sir do you by your stance mean to say that innocents weren't hurt in the ride against terrorsim in Punjab?


Amprapali (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:39 IST)

Hello everyone.


Keliath (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:39 IST)

Hi Howz everybody today ?


Amprapali (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:40 IST)

Mr Gill, In your opinion, what compelled Ajit Singh Sandhu to commit suicide??


Shersingh (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:40 IST)

Mr Gill, What do you think about the award winning film Maachis?


Jagmohan (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:49 IST)

Mr Gill, Who is resposible for the past and present situation in Punjab?


Ram Tripathi (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:54 IST)

Good evening, Mr Gill. Welcome to the Rediff Chat.


S L Jain (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:56 IST)

Good evening Mr Gill, I read recently that an Indian lawyer said you were far worse than any of those people at Aushwitz. This is an extremely damning statement. Do you believe that worse genoicide was committed in Punjab in the name of fighting terrorism than during the Holocaust?


Mike Stanley Kundo (Wed Jun 11 1997 19:58 IST)

Mr Gill, can you deny that innocents were killed in the battle against terrorism? How many innocents died, Mr Gill?


Bilkees Khan (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:0 IST)

Do you believe that every officer who served in the battle against terrorism must be given amnesty under the law?


Ram (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:1 IST)

Mr Gill, you recently approached the Home Minister regarding the alleged persecution of police officers by Human Rights Activists. Did you receive any positive response/assurances from the Home Minister in this regard?


Dheeraj (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:5 IST)

With a supportive givernment, will you be able to tackle Kashmir also?


Commando (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:11 IST)

Hello all


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:14 IST)

Is Mr Gill there..???


Simran (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:15 IST)

Mr Gill, how did you and your men distinguish between a terrorist and an innocent?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:15 IST)

Hello everyone. I am here to answer your questions and give you my views about what is happening in the country today.


Furkhan (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:17 IST)

Good evening Mr Gill, sir its a pleasure to be able to talk to you. Sir do you think Indira Gandhi was right in the action she took by initiatng Operation Blue Star?


Half Surd Mog (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:17 IST)

Well actually we don't really think your views on what happens in the country is very relevant because you live in an ivory tower surrounded by your cohorts...besides if we do we'd call a soothsayer which you are not either. Let's talk about the past Mr Gill...like how come this new found love affair with the media and the power of mass communication, remember the reporters whom you got bashed up in the Meridien Hotel Press Conference a few years ago, were they, too, screwing up the country???phussssss....


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:18 IST)

Simran: It is not my men who distinguish between the innocent and the terrorists. It is the the people whose relatives have been killed, whose womenfolk have been raped or who have been kidnapped and come back after paying ransom who tell us who are the terrorists who did this to them.


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:18 IST)

Furkhan, why do u think so..??


Vasu (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:20 IST)

Mr Gill, what is the secret behind your successful drive against terrorism? How the same can be used to weed out terrorism in the North-East & Kashmir? If you were the Supercop of these regions, how would go about it?


Half Surd Mog (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:20 IST)

Which is the real KPS Gill, the one handle 'K' or the K P S Gill??Hello???



Commando (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:21 IST)

Mr Gill, do you believe that lots of innocent young people lost their lives when the Police were fighting terrorism in Punjab? Half Surd Mog (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:21 IST)

Mr Gill...is there even one hamlet in Punjab that you feel you can go to without your complete bunch of supporters?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:21 IST)

Bilkees Khan: At no point of time have I talked of amnesty or branded protection to officers who were working under situations of such stress. All I have said is give them proper legal aid, have a fair and expeditious enquiry and a fair and expeditious trail. They should not feel that they are not given protection which is available to all the citizens in the country but is denied to them.


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:22 IST)

Mr.Gill Do you have any regret in your life..?? Listener (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:22 IST)

Mr Gill tell us about those "human" rights organizations, whatever you're at liberty to tell.


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:23 IST)

Gillji, Former Human Right activist J S Khalra had alleged that more than 2,000 innocent people were creamated in your tenure, can you please comment on it??


Bilkees (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:23 IST)

Thank you, Mr Gill. Would you say that the Akali Dal government is out to bring officers involved in the war against terrorism to justice?


Half Surd Mog (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:23 IST)

I can go to 99 per cent of the hamlets in Punjab and support will be given to me by the people of these hamlets.


Half Surd Mog (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:24 IST)

Mr Gill..what makes you feel that protection is given to all citizens of our country that policemen are also entitled to it? Don't policemen, like armymen, get a salary? After all, there were enough armymen on IS duties providing backbone to your PP, how come they are not crying???



Singh:(Wed Jun 11 1997 20:25 IST)

Mr Gill do you think that india is a true secular country? Do you think India respects human rights?


Half Surd Mog:(Wed Jun 11 1997 20:26 IST)

Gill Sahib...you don't even have the opportunity, with all respects, to leave your fortress at 11 TR without bundobast of a level that even Yasser Arafat doesn't have...so forget the 99% of Punjab stuff ... let's get back to the original question, in the late 80s and early 90s your PP bashed up a few journalists at YOUR press conference in the Meridien in YOUR presence, what's the position on that and your current efforts to harness the media?


Navjot (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:27 IST)

MR GILL, HOW CAN INDIA SOLVE THE PAKISTAN MENACE?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:27 IST)

Vasu: Terrorism or insurgency in each part of the country where it is happening must be tackled after a study of the situation in that particular region and all responses have to take this situation into account and be adequate in any given situations.


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:28 IST)

Mr. Gill in your last stage of life what would you like to say??


Kavita Sodhi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:28 IST)

Good evening Mr Gill, after your high profile career in the Punjab, what are you involved in these days?


S L Jain (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:28 IST)

Mr Gill, do you believe that thr troubles in Punjab are gone forever? Or can they be resurected if the Akali Dal government allows the seeds of trouble to be sown again?


Singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:28 IST)

Mr Gill, do you believe that you betrayed your sikh panth ?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:29 IST)

Singh: I firmly believe that India is a true secular country and that in tackling of insurgency and terrorism, its record on the human rights front is better than any other country in the world.


Mike Stanley Kundo (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:30 IST)

Mr Gill, I think you have accumulated too much of the credit for peace in the Punjab. Surely, the changed political scenario, the popular disenchantment with terrorism had its role to play too.


Simran (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:31 IST)

Don't make me laugh, Mr Gill! India's record is better than any other country in the world. I assume the 'encounters', custodial deaths and torture in the Punjab are fairy tales.


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:31 IST)

Kavita: I am the president of the Indian Hockey Federation and I am trying to make hockey come to its old glory and get us some gold medals.


Kavita Sodhi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:32 IST)

What is your stance on the method of countering insurgency in J&K. Is it the right method? Will it be successful?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:32 IST)

Mike: I agree with you completely.


Malvani (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:33 IST)

Hello Gill Sahab, Sir I'm from Toronto, I left Punjab after the assasination of Mrs Indira Gandhi. You may have killed the terrorists holed up in our Golden Temple, but you couldn't protect us from the wrath of the people who generalised all sardars as terrorists. What can you say to defend yourself Gillji?


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:33 IST)

Please answer my question Gillji: FORMER HUMAN RIGHT ACTIVIST J S KHALRA ALLEGED THAT 2,000 INNOCENT PEOPLE WERE CREMATED IN YOUR TENURE? PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE GIVE YOUR OPINION????


Ram (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:34 IST)

Mr Gill, I believe officers like Sandhu not only were responsible for the death of many innocent people but they also accumulated huge fortunes. Can you deny this?


Listener (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:34 IST)

Mr Gill, what are these human rights organizations fronts for? What makes them tick? What's their real agenda?


S Iftikhar Gilani (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:34 IST)

Mr Gill, by your arguments it seems you favour that security favour should be given liscense in the counter insurgency operations. Don't you think it goes against the spirit of the Constitution? How can you justify killing of civilians and killing of militants in custody by the forces in troubled areas?


Singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:34 IST)

Mr Gill, what statistics are you using to make this statement that India is better than any other country on the Human Rights front...were you reverse counting ?


Bilkees (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:35 IST)

On Star News, you accused the human rights groups of links with external separatist forces. What evidence do you have?


Jat Punjabi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:35 IST)

Mr Gill, I can't believe that you are still defending the corrupt police officer you know damn well that killed innocent people .. why do u admit it..


Rajg (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:36 IST)

Gillsaab, I fully support your views on the hounding of police officers by these "fake human rights" organisations. I worked in Punjab in 1990/91 and remember the fright people were in. During one period, even DD/AIR bowed down to terrorists dikats by not transmitting any National programs. Where were these "human right organisations" then? Believe me folks! Punjab would have been a gone case without strong-arm tactics. But it needs to be added that the common people also were very fed up with "goonda" terrorists. And there were lots of instances of police high-handedness.



Malvani(Wed Jun 11 1997 20:36 IST)

MR GILL NAME ONE HUMAN RIGHT GROUP THAT IS HAND IN GLOVES WITH THE SEPERATISTS GROUPS?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:36 IST)

Singh: I am a very devout Sikh and if you correctly interpret Guru Nanak's philosophy and life, especially his journeys to the different parts of the world, you will have to agree with me that Sikhism was meant to be the world of fostering brotherhood and eradicating injustice in all parts of the world. Unfortunately, the recent history of the Sikhs has shown that it is going contrary to the principles to which led to its creation and there are many many people within the religion who are trying confine it to a very small place. And Sikhism is something which cannot be confined. And I am sure it will break the shackles imprisoning it at the moment and become one the major religions in the world. Ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:37 IST)

Mr Gill, The police in India are not respected. In fact they are the butt of many jokes. My grandfather was the DGP in Andhra Pradesh and this used to upset me greatly that nothing was done to improve this image. What Sir, can be done ?


Mike (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:38 IST)

Mr Gill, matters appear to be in a blind alley. The human rights groups want Punjab police officers accused of excesses to be brought to trial. You want them to be spared the legal nightmare. As you said in a television interview, the harassment of litigation that is common in Punjab. So what is the way out of this impasse?


Jatt_Punjabi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:38 IST)

Mr. Gill, there are proof that innocent people were killed by u and your police force on your order ... and you are not admitting it.. come on be a man..


Singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:38 IST)

Mr Gill...I ask again...do you agree that you betrayed the sikh panth ?


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:39 IST)

MR GILL IS MY QUESTION TOO BAD TO BE ANSWERED..?? IN YOUR LAST STAGE OF LIFE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING..??


Simran (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:39 IST)

People like rajg are what one can expect of the future. Anyone can be exterminated in the interests of the State.


K P S Gill. (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:39 IST)

Singh: One can say that if you make a study of the reports of Amnesty International itself on the records of various countries involved in tackling violence within the borders, you will yourself come to this conclusion.


S L Jain (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:40 IST)

Could you give us an idea about what harassment do police officers in Punjab accused of custodial deaths face?


Kavita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:40 IST)

Mr Gill, in your opinion, how do you think insurgency can be removed from J&K? Please answer. Do you agree with the present method being applied?


Ram (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:41 IST)

Mr Gill, what or who was/were responsible for SSP Sandhu's death? Did you have any idea that he would end this way? Did you not bring to the government's attention what was happening? Especially after he was beaten up in jail. Why were you silent?


K P S Gill. (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:41 IST)

Ravi: It is a fact that reforms in the police are required and that the police needs to be looked at differently by the press. This is long overdue and I hope that the government will attend to this problem.


Ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:42 IST)

Are you upset with the Govt of India for not rewarding you with either a Governorship or Ambassador ? Or is such a proposal in the pipeline ?


Manmeet (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:43 IST)

Kanwar Pal, What would Guru Gobind Singh think of you if he was alive today.? A very devout Sikh as you've said or what the Sikh society percieves you as today?


K P S Gill. (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:43 IST)

Ram: You must that I retired from the government service from a year and half. I held a press conference when Sandhu was in jail and objected to what was happening. There was nothing that I could have done in the situation I am placed today. I am writing an analysis of the type of harassment he was subjected during the last few months. The analysis is too long to be summarised here. It will be published in the Pioneer in its coming Thursday edition. I don't know if the Pioneer is on the Internet. If it is, please read this article.


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:43 IST)

Gillji: How can U believe in religion, don't you think all religions are obsolete in 21st century???


Bilkees (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:43 IST)

Do you believe that mistakes were made in the battle against terrorism? Do you think a concept like human rights must be suspended during such combat?


Rao (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:44 IST)

Mr Gill: You have recently approached the Home Minister regarding the alleged persecution of the Punjab Police by the Human Right Activists. Did you receive any positive response/assurances from the Home Minister in this regard.


Rajg (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:44 IST)

folks I am asking this to those who are condemning the police actions in punjab. Can they enlighten us on what is the record of countries like US, UK (Ireland), Israel and even Pakistan in anti-surgency operations?? Has any human-rights organisation condemned them? How can one show reason and handle "sensitively" such a situation?


Singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:45 IST)

Mr. Gill this is not an issue of just tackling the border...we are concerned about the thousands of innocent civilians killed inside the country...if you are quoting Amnesty International for the border tackling, please quote their reports on the innocent killings by the police too.


Ram (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:46 IST)

Mr Gill, come on. You are not just another police officer. K P S Gill can make governments listen to what he said. But what you said after Mr Sandhu was beaten up was said so quietly that no one heard what you said. Or was it that you were embarrassed by what Mr Sandhu had done, especially in the Khalra case?


Listener (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:46 IST)

Mr Gill, did the repeal of TADA affect the anti-terrorist operations of cops in any way?


Kavita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:46 IST)

During all those years when you were fighting terrorism in Punjab did it ever occur to you that your attempts could be futile and your efforts could go in vain? Did your men get disheartened? Did you lose hope?


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:47 IST)

MR. GILL MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED IN YOUR WAR(INFACT DID) ..WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING FOR THEIR FAMILIES...??


Commando (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:47 IST)

If the police did not do any injustice in Punjab, why then did Mr Sandhu commit suicide? A senior police officer's suicide itself tells the sad story of the guilt the police feel.


Manmeet (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:48 IST)

Kanwar Pal: You were beaten up in an earlier visit to Europe by a bunch of Sikhs, did you not realize your fate? I mean, there is a price on your head, in the militants book, so, will you be shot or will die a normal death?


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:48 IST)

Gillji: Why could you not save the life of former Punjab chief minister, Beant Singh, do you regret for your failure to save his life???


Simran (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:48 IST)

Rajg: We cannot justify whatever happened in Punjab just because of what the UK or US or Pakistan governments did. Anyway, where were your cronies in the BJP when the war against terrorsim was taking place?


Ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:49 IST)

Are you upset with the Govt of India for not rewarding you with either a Governorship or Ambassador ? Or is such a proposal in the pipeline ?


Rajg (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:49 IST)

Simran, Enlighten us on how u will tackle the "Kashmir" problem? You want to handover Kashmir on a plater because the human-rights organisations are making a hue and cry about abuses? Or do u want to restrict the police/army by restraining them? Could u tell me one instance of any country fighting insurgency having a total white record? Answer me, or you will confirm my suspicion that you are a Pak supporter hiding under a beautiful name!


Ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:49 IST)

Are you upset with the Govt of India for not rewarding you with either a Governorship or Ambassador ? Or is such a proposal in the pipeline ? Any political aspirations ?


K P S Gill. (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:49 IST)

Lolita: I think that religions never become obsolete. The eternal varieties on which the great religions of the world is based are the eternal varieties. Just because you are living at this point of time is a mere accident and you shall be transported to the movements of the revolutions of the globe, it does not mean that mankind's search for something beyond what is available to man in day to day living in the pleasures of his senses will end on the mid-night of 31 December 1999. This search is a perennial search and it is basically the individual's search and it becomes society's search and life will continue.


singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:50 IST)

mr. gill...just curious..are you an amritdhari sikh ?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:52 IST)

Ravi: I am not at all upset by this. In actual fact, a governorship was offered to me three four years back, which I refused. Because I did not find any fun in sitting in a gilded chair and waiting for visitors and attending meaningless functions, laying foundation stones or cutting the ribbons at various opening ceremonies.


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:53 IST)

Gillji: Besides reading the Gurugranth, which are the other religious books which youn read?? Also, who are the other authors whom you read???


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:53 IST)

Commando: Give your correct name. Then I will answer your questions. In any case, commandos do not ask questions.


singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:54 IST)

at least mr. gill agrees that india is ruled by a bunch of hipocrites who spend their time in sitting in a gilted chair and waiting for visitors and attending meaningless functions, laying foundation stones or cutting the ribbons at various opening ceremonies.


praveen swami (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:55 IST)

Mr Gill: What do you have to say about the allegations that some lawyers are trying to use human rights cases to make a percentage on compensation money awarded by the courts?


rajg (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:55 IST)

simran>> My cronies? Now u have exposed yourself! You are not a dame but a Fat sardar hiding under the name of simran. Probably from canada. I am not bothered about BJP. I am only saying that in situations like punjab and kashmir excesses can occur since police force face a very dangerous enemy in a hostile terrain. Let us not condemn outright. We should try to minimise them by proper procedures. Let us be grateful to the 1000's of cops who laid their lives defending the country. Without them there would have been no Punjab. Probably , as human tendency goes, 10%of them would have looted money and behaved like terrorists. But, why should we tar the whole police force for that?? How will u handle Kashmir now?


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:55 IST)

gillji: If U are so religious, how can a woman like Rupan Deo Bajaj make allegations against you? Can U tell us about that episode??


Simran (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:56 IST)

No, rajg: I am not a Pakistani. I am an Indian and proud to be one. I am ashamed at people like you who justify killings of innocents in the cause of national interest. Believe me, the after-effects of what Mr Gill and his men in Punjab did in the name of fighting terror will be seen in the next five years or so when a new generation grows up, with hate in their hearts and viciousness in their souls.


rajg (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:57 IST)

gillsaab>> Have u watched "Macchis"?? Any comments about the movie?


praveen (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:57 IST)

Mr Gill: What do you think of the present govt of Punjabs committment to protect people who faught terrorism?


Simran (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:57 IST)

rajg: I am an Indian based in the most cosmopolitan of cities, Mumbai. It is not I who have exposed myself. It is you who stand naked.


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:58 IST)

RAJG..DON'T SAY 1000'S COPS BUT 1000'S INNOCENTS..


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:58 IST)

gillji: Why India is not doing well in hockey, what have U done to improve our game??? Because till today we have world class player like Dhanraj Pillai on our side???


S (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:58 IST)

Could you give us an idea about what harassment police officers in Punjab accused of custodial deaths face?


Ram (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:59 IST)

Mr Gill, come on. You are not just another police officer. K P S Gill can make governments listen to what he said. But what you said after Mr Sandhu was beaten up was said so quietly that no one heard what you said. Or was it that you were embarrassed by what Mr Sandhu had done, especially in the Khalra case?


Bilkees (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:59 IST)

Do you believe that mistakes were made in the battle against terrorism? Do you think a concept like human rights must be suspended during such combat?


Kavita (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:59 IST)

Mr Gill, how do you think Punjab will remember you in time to come?


ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:59 IST)

Mr. Gill on a more lighter note what are you doing to bring back the glory days of Indian hockey ?


Commando (Wed Jun 11 1997 20:59 IST)

Mr. gill, I am using a handle which is very legtimate and you should not any objection to it. I am not asking you any unreasonable questions though you may be finding them very offending?


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:1 IST)

MR..GILL..WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING FOR THE FAMILIES OF INNOCENTS YOU KILLED ...??


Jagmohan (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:1 IST)

Mr. Gill: Who is resposible for the past and present situation in Punjab?


praveen (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:1 IST)

Mr Gill: Dop U expect more incidents like Ajit Sandhus death as more and more cases against police men are put up in te courts?


Mike (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:1 IST)

Do you think the Akali government is bent on harassing police officers who were active in the war against terrorism?


listener (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:2 IST)

Mr Gill, how many of your boys did you lose to terrorism over the years? Have their families been adequately compensated for?


ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:2 IST)

Mr. Gill Any political aspirations? Rather than toss stones at government policies , how about entering the political arena or is Mr. KPS Gill all action and no bhashan ??


S (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:3 IST)

There is a view that the police officers who fought the war against terror assumed the role of divine entities, killing those they didn't like, extorting money from those who could pay up... Is this not true, Mr Gill?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:3 IST)

Buddy: The point you have to understand is that a large number of ordinary citizens, men, women and children--even three months old--were killed by the terrorists. Policemen's families who committed no offences except having been married or having been born into a policeman's house or who are the parents of the policemen were collected and shot brutally and mercilessly. On one occasion in one night 66 family members of policemen were killed. But let us go beyond this because I believe that violence per se is bad, it is condemnable and it is evil. And there is an interesting statistics that if you leave the urban centres, where violence was unleashed upon and suspecting civilians for the terrorists. And consider the countryside. Less than five hundreds of village of Punjab -- it has 14,000 villages -- accounted for 75 per cent of rural killings. And after we had eliminate violence from the political landscape of Punjab, we held meetings in these villages and collected all the victims of the violence irrespective of the fact as to who had killed their near and dear ones and without involving political persons in this exercise, let the villagers speak about their experiences to the fellow villages. I was a part of the audience in many of these meetings attended by every man, woman and child of the village in the village common grounds occupying every space. At the end of this sharing of these personal emotions with the fellow villagers, there was not an eye which was not without tears. All women, young, old, children -- everyone would sit down and sob. I reached the same conclusion that violence is evil and it should shunned at any cost.


praveen (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:3 IST)

Buddy: Do you have anything to say to the families of 80 people killed in the Jagraon train massacre in 1991 or the Bihari labourers who were butchered in Barnala in 1992?


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:3 IST)

MR..GILL DO YOU BELIEVE IN "KARMO KI SAJA.."


Rao (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:3 IST)

Mr Gill: You were largely successful in eliminating militancy in Punjab. Do you see a solution to the Kashmir problem. How do you compare the Kashmir problem with the erstwhile militancy in Punjab


rajg (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:3 IST)

simran>> Innocents are killed due to pathetic human nature! There are countless lock-up deaths in petty criminal cases. Even you are me can end up in such situations in a normal situation. We know the law agencies are Corrupt . Why? Because the morals in the country has fallen down. So, in a extra-ordinary situation can u expect a neat operation? Let us not be idealistic. Even I don't want a war . But when there is a war, we have to be ruthless. Rather than condemning the police forces, condemn the morals of the society! What will be the first comment of people when a person jooins the police? BAhuut paise kama sakta Hai!! that is the moral standard of the current society. And when I find rare people like Gill/Riberio with GUts and integrity, I appreciate them.


Bilkees (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:3 IST)

Do you believe the human rights organisations -- as you alleged on Star News -- are being sponsored by external agencies?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:5 IST)

S: I never knew that divine entities extort money.


z (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:6 IST)

Mr. Gill when you were in charge of the Indian Hockey team, I saw some light, but not any more ... wanna comment ?


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:6 IST)

Do you foresee a situation, where terrorism in Punjab will return???


Mike (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:6 IST)

I believe you read Kundera during Operation Black Thunder. I believe you are -- except when you drink -- a most civilised man, so why did you allow the extrajudicial killings under your auspices? Did you believe that anything was justified in the battle against terrorism?


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:6 IST)

THANK YOU MR. GILL FOR YOUR COMMENT.


S (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:7 IST)

So you are denying that police officers extorted money from anyone who had a remote connection to the Manochchals and Parmars of the world? So how come SSP Sandhu was so rich?


Rao (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:8 IST)


praveen (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:9 IST)

Mr Gill: Do you think Punjab Police could have achieved what it did without the support of Punjab's ordinary people?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:9 IST)

Ravi: I have answered a similar question on this earlier. I hold that every situation has a different dynamics. Not only that, even in Punjab the measures adopted to quell terrorism in 1987 would not have been valid in 1989 and 1989 measures would not have been valid in 1991. Similarly, for the Kashmir situation, one has to make a close study of the prevailing situation and then take the measure in keeping the collective psyche of the people of Kashmir and the minimum use of force without causing widespread damage.


ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:10 IST)

Mr. Gill Any political aspirations? Rather than toss stones at government policies , how about entering the political arena or is Mr. KPS Gill all action and no bhashan ??


Karma Brew (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:10 IST)

Hi this is Instant Karma..


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:11 IST)

Lolita: I have been asked this question a number of times. And every time the reply has been an emphatic NO.


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:12 IST)

Praveen: Absolutely not.


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:12 IST)

MR. GILL I HAVE HEARD THAT YOU DIDN'T SPARE EVEN AN FRIEND OF TERRORIST OR A PERSON WHO EVEN ONCE MET THAT TERRORIST..WOULD U PLS. COMMENT....


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:13 IST)

I MEAN PAST FRIEND...


HeroNo-1 (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:13 IST)

2Sona kitna sona hai sone jaisa mera man INDIA INDIA INDIA is No1 Jai hind gill sir keep up the good work i hav nothing but admiration and respect 4 u


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:14 IST)

Ravi: Please, advise to which political party I should join.


HeroNo-1 (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:15 IST)

Mr gill u r the best person whom india has had 2 combat terrorism hev u ever thought of running 4 presidentship!!!! u hav a heros supprt.frm 1 hero 2 another :)


Jatt_Punjabi (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:16 IST)

Mr. Gill, i don't know why are u here. U only answer to question which are in your favour .. Doesn't that proove anything


HeroNo-1 (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:17 IST)

Mr gill now that u r almost out of the police scenario wot r doing nowadays(any books being written ;) )


listener (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:17 IST)

Mr Gill, what's up with that case of your being a little naughty with one Mrs B. Are you out of the mess yet?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:18 IST)

Buddy: What you have heard is a calumny. When we found that quite a number of terrorists were continuing to engage us in gun fights, we took a conscious policy by telling them: Come and surrender before and we shall take a lenient view of what has happened. Thousands surrendered. These were active terrorists, not their friends. Although there are certain text books on terrorism which advise this course of action, fortunately I did not learn my work on the anti-terrorist front from any text book. The death of terrorists caused me as much anguish as the death of my policemen and officers.


HeroNo-1 (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:18 IST)

Hey jatt cool it!!


swami (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:19 IST)

What is wrong with killing a terrorist before he kills more innocent people? Is killing in self defense considered extra judicial killing?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:19 IST)

listener: Not at all.


ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:20 IST)

Good response Mr. Gill. I belive I understand. Its like choosing between the Devil and the Dead Sea. Ravi: Please, advise to which political party I should join.


Rao (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:20 IST)

Mr Gill : What do you think of the present police set up in Punjab. Has the current crusade by the Human Rights Activists against the Punjab Police affecting their motivation.


Manmeet (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:21 IST)

WHERE IS JASWANT SINGH KHALRA?


Buddy (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:21 IST)

MR. GILL Thank You once again..ONE MORE QUESTION..."WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE ANY THING IN POLICE FORCE.." AND HOW MUCH WOULD YOU TRY TO DO TO ACHEIVE YOUR WILLINGNESS...


Manmeet (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:21 IST)

KPGILL: WHERE IS JASWANT SINGH KHALRA?


swami (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:22 IST)

Is the human rights group concerned only with the human rights of terrorists? What about the human rights of the innocents who get killed day by day?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:22 IST)

Swamy: Our law on self defence envisages a situation in which there is an eminent danger to the life of the person exercising the right of self defence, and he has no means of escape. If he has a means of escape, he has no right of self defence. So the thesis that you kill a terrorist because if you don't kill him before his kills many others is not tenable under the Indian law.


praveen (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:23 IST)

Manmeet: Why don't you ask Justice Kuldeep Singh or the CBI? There's nothing like evidence that the Punjab Police did him in. For all we know, he drowned in the Ionian Sea.


Manmeet (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:23 IST)

WHAT ABOUT ALL THE RAPES OF SIKH WOMEN BY POLICE OFFICERS ETC? WHY ARE THERE NO CASES OF RAPE AGAINST THE POLICE?


singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:23 IST)

so mr. gill what is the worst thing u regret in your political life ?


Manmeet (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:23 IST)

K P GILL: PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION


praveen (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:24 IST)

Mr Gill: At this stage of your life, what do you make of your favourite poet, Shiv Batalvi


Manmeet (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:24 IST)

K P GILL: DOES YOUR FAMILY SUPPORT YOU?


listener (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:24 IST)

But Mr Gill, those who are trying to destroy the state from within, even if they are "our people", should they be dealt with by ordinary laws? Will that do? Will that suffice?


singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:25 IST)

mr. gill..answer manmeet's question..where is khalra ?? and don't say you don't know cuz we all know that you know


singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:26 IST)

mr. gill do you think that the sikh panth will ever forgive you for what you did ?


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:26 IST)

Hero No-1: I do not like pseudonyms as I said earlier. A person who calls himself Hero No 1 may not a be hero. Come out in the open and come to this country and support me and gather the support of 50 MPs for my candidature for the Presidentship and if you succeed, I shall myself bestow the title Hero No 1.


Manmeet (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:26 IST)

WHY IS RAM NARAYAN KUMAR BEING HARRASSED?


Rao (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:26 IST)


rajg (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:27 IST)

gillji>> Have u seen the movie Macchis ? any comments? Swami>> Good show pal! Simran>> Dear ! Are u still there? I just went out for dinner, so may have missed ur replies.


Lolita (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:28 IST)

BYE EVERYONE, GOOD DAY AND GOOD NIGHT MR GILL.


praveen (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:28 IST)

Manmeet: Has it ever crossed your mind that there might not be any rape cases against Punjab Police officers because they never raped anyone? That this might just account for why no writ of rape has ever been filed against the officers?


ravi (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:29 IST)

MV Bhaskara Rao , DGP in Andhra Pradesh quit the service saying that his services were not being utilised by the Govt and joined active politics ? Did you ever feel that disillusioned or do you belive that this is an act of one man making a dramatic entry into politics ?


singh (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:29 IST)

mr. gill have you ever read sikh history and known what sikhs stood for ? don't you think it is ironical that there were sikhs who got martyred for the sake of the panth and there are sikhs like you who will sell away the panth if given the chance...tho you may fail to realize that this khalsa panth is known to have risen stronger every time it was tried to be suppressed


Oscar Chatterton (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:30 IST)

Gillji: What you have to say about bottom pinching??


Commando (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:30 IST)

Mr. Gill, please forgive me to ask another question. Do you agree that among the good and bad that we inherited from British, we got very good army and very bad police? Bad ploice means corrupt. Did you do anything to improve the over all standard of police force during your tenure as DGP?


KHALISTANI (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:31 IST)

GILL WHY DON'T YOU BE A MAN AND ANSWER THE QUESTION OF MANMEET?????


K P S Gill (Wed Jun 11 1997 21:31 IST)

EVERYONE: Thank you very much for being with me. I will be ready to answer your questions in future. Many many thanks. Good Night.


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