DGP Swain: Igniting Commando Spirit

Pradeep Dutta/TKM Web Desk

Officers who lead from the front invariably inspire and invigorate their foot soldiers, urging them to confront any challenge and emerge victorious.
Rashmi Ranjan Swain, Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, epitomizes this ethos. During a recent visit to the Lethpora Commando Training Institute, he astounded everyone by immersing himself in the training alongside the commandos at the firing range.
His presence infused renewed vigour among the trainee commandos. Seizing an AK rifle and unleashing a barrage of shots alongside them served as a profound source of inspiration for these soldiers in the making.
By standing should to shoulder with them and expertly hitting bull’s-eye at the firing range, the police chief aimed to strike an emotional chord with his subordinates. His message was clear: maintain an unwavering focus on the goal (Lakshya), and rest assured, the leader stands with them, ready to support them through any trial.
In addition to his actions, his motivational words ignited a fervent spirit among the commandos. He posed a poignant question to them: “Why have you chosen to bear arms?” The resounding chorus of the commandos echoed through the hillocks of Lethpora: “To serve the nation”.
This gesture by Swain earned a commendation from former DGP SP Vaid. Sharing images of DGP Swain taking him at the firing range alongside trainee commandos in Lethpora, he took to the social media platform X and remarked: “Beware, anti-national elements. Well done, boys. Stay prepared and battle-hardened. Those who sweat during peacetime will have the upper hand during the final assault”.
Swain boasts numerous accolades to his name. He has played a pivotal role in dismantling the terror ecosystem. His philosophy is straightforward: “We will not negotiate for peace, we will establish it”.
It is evident how past governments used to placate separatist elements, such as employing the grandson of separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani in SKICC as a conciliatory measure. The current government vehemently opposes the appeasement of separatism and instead seeks to bolster nationalist forces by rewarding patriotism – anyone who fights against terror or provides information about terrorist activities or infrastructure will receive a cash award.
During his visit to Commando Training Centre Lethpora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama, the DGP RR Swain emphasized that elements disturbing peace and people of Jammu and Kashmir are stumbling blocks and need to be removed. He emphasized upon tough action against such inimical forces so that secure environment is ensured for trade, investment and development in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
“While upgrading and multiplying our skills we should remember that the ultimate goal is to serve the people better as we are from the people and we are duty bound to protect them from crimes and criminals,” DGP Swain said.
The DGP J&K during his visit to the Centre, besides presiding over an interaction with trainees, inspected the firing range, and other training facilities at the centre also witnessed an impressive anti-terror operation demonstration by the trainees.
Addressing the trainees the DGP praised them for their sincerity, dedication and hard work, particularly during their intensive training course and added that witnessing the impressive demonstration was highly satisfying and appreciable.
He said that it is very heartening and a matter of pride that the selected trainees have gained valuable skills during the training. He added that the demonstration showcased the spirit with which you (trainees) have got trained. It is highly commendable that you have got trained in multiple tasks of security and skill development in such a short period of time. He also hailed the instructors’ efforts of transmitting the skills in best possible training methods to the trainees.
The DGP emphasized that while enhancing skills we should be remembering that our ultimate goal is to serve the people which includes our own families, to the best of our ability. “We are from the people and we are duty bound to protect them from the crimes and criminals” the DGP underlined.
He said that only a few elements are attempting to harm peace and tranquility. “We have to identify and segregate these elements and take strong measures against them for the greater good of the public, thus ensuring that education, business, and other positive activities of the general life are not affected. We have to be tough with the criminals while protecting and helping the innocent. Those who try to disturb the people are the stumbling blocks which need to be removed. We have to take tough actions against such inimical forces so that secure environment is ensured for trade, investment and development,” DGP added.
He said the welfare of police pariwar including SPOs who are working shoulder to shoulder with regular force is the top priority of Police headquarters and added that as the leader of force his heart beats for the SPOs. He said that as a welfare measure 15 percent reservation provision has been kept for the SPOs in the forth coming recruitment of constables and PHQ is planning more welfare measures in future as well. He said we will have to make our SPOs aware about the provision and prepare them for the tests.
The DGP later presented cash rewards to four trainees for performing exceptionally well in training.
Earlier, the Principal CTC, Lethpora, Tanveer Jeelani in his welcome address gave a detailed resume of the training activities conducted during this specialized training course.
DIG South Kashmir Altaf Ahmad Khan; Commandant IR 23rd Bn Bakar Hussain Samoon; AIG (Training/Comn.) PHQ, Manoj Kumar Pandith; SSP Awantipora Aijaz Ahmad Zargar; and other gazetted officers of training centre were present on the occasion.