PUNE: “Pullout of US troops from Afghanistan and Syria have serious implications in Kashmir,” said K Rajendra Kumar, IPS, former DGP, Jammu & Kashmir, during first Lalitaditya Memorial Speech at Patrakar Bhavan on Monday. The event was organised by Sarhad Foundation. 

Kumar was speaking on ‘Issues facing the J&K police’ based on his long personal experience. He said the pullout of US troops will be viewed by terrorists and our neighbour as their victory and will further harden their resolve to cut off Kashmir from India. 

He said, “That the major issue is the disconnect between New Delhi and Srinagar which has alienated the locals from the mainstream system. The general perception amongst the locals is that the local elected representatives are the puppets of New Delhi.” 

Kumar covered the historical perspective in the beginning to orient the audience. He discussed the yeoman service contributed by J&K Police despite severe challenges faced every day. He also covered the steps taken to energise the police force to enhance their effectiveness. 

BS Virk, IPS, former DGP Maharashtra and Punjab brought out the similarities of terrorism issue between Punjab and J&K. His anecdote on the leadership qualities of KPS Gill, IPS, former DGP, Punjab and its fearful effect on the terrorists enlightened the audience. 

Initially, Sanjay Sonawani, historian, educated the audience on the forgotten hero of India, a great King of Kashmir, Lalitaditya who ruled the country from Turk to Karnataka for 40 years. He lamented that although history influences the present course of the actions, yet, most of the Indians are not aware of our glorious past. 

Other dignitaries present were General Vinayak Patankar (retd), Pran Nath Kaul of the famous Gul, Gulshan, Gulfam TV serial and Suraj Mandhare, the Chief Executive Officer of Pune Zilla Parishad.