Lieutenant General

K J S Dhillon

PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM
Nickname(s)Tiny Dhillon
Allegiance India
Service/branch Indian Army
Years of serviceDecember 1983 - January 2022
Rank Lieutenant General
Unit4 Rajputana Rifles
Commands heldXV Corps
Awards Param Vishisht Seva Medal
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
Yudh Seva Medal
Vishisht Seva Medal
Other workChairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of IIT Mandi

Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM is a retired General Officer of the Indian Army and the Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of IIT Mandi.[1] He last served as the Director General Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA) and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence) (DCIDS Int) under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from 9 March 2020 to 31 January 2022.[2] Prior to this, he served as the 48th Commander of the XV Corps assuming the post from Lieutenant General Anil Kumar Bhatt.[3][4]

Early life and education

Dhillon is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla & Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He graduated from the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the National Defence College, Delhi.[4]

Career

Dhillon was commissioned in December 1983 in 4'th Battalion of Rajputana Rifles and has had an illustrious military career spanning 39 years is credited with important appointments at the Army Headquarters and instructional appointments at Infantry School, Mhow, and Indian Army training team abroad.[5] He has an incisive understanding of Jammu and Kashmir, as he served there for five tenures since 1988 with notable being sector commander of Rashtriya Rifles and Brigadier General Staff of the Chinar Corps.[4] Before taking over as the Chinar Corps Commander, the General Officer was tenanting the appointment of Director General Perspective Planning.[6] He was appointed as the Colonel of the Regiment of Rajputana Rifles on 21 September 2019, when he took over from Lt Gen Abhay Krishna.[7] He retired from Service on 31 January 2022 handing over the reigns to his successor Lt Gen CP Cariappa as the Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles.

As XV Corps commander

He has successfully maintained a balance, in Kashmir's security scenario, between counter-infiltration and counter-terrorist operations on one hand and the use of military soft power on the other. The perpetrators of Pulwama Blast were targeted in the first 100 hours.[8] In an official statement on this, he described his efforts against terror launch pads especially, "after August 5 last year", as the statement read.[9]

Operation MAA (Mother) for Mission Kashmir

He appealed to the mothers, of local terrorists, to impress upon their sons to shun the path of violence and rejoin the mainstream for safe rehabilitation.[10] To reduce local terrorists, continuously chances are given to misguided youth to 'return',[11] he prefers to use the word ‘return’ and not ‘surrender’. Lauding the important role of women folk in Kashmiri society he said "Mothers, sisters & daughters are key to family life, in Kashmir households". Giving hope to them he said "You are the future family builders. May you achieve much in your personal, social & professional lives"[12] and "Mothers are the pillar of society. Since young boys invariably listen to their mothers, I urge them to guide their children to follow the righteous path".[13]

Operation MAA (Mother)

Mothers have been the pillar of Kashmiri society and enjoy immense respect.[14] On many occasions he has reached out to the mothers, to make them aware that many stone-pelters become terrorists and mothers should prevent their sons from becoming neither.[15][16] Even during encounters mothers have spoken to their sons convincing them to ‘return’. Results have convinced more mothers and sons to reunite happily while their identities remain safe. Fifty youths have abandoned terrorism and the laudatory messages from mothers are priceless ‘gifts’ to him.[17]

Awam Aur Army—"Humsaya Hain Hum". (Public and Army – "We are Co-Inhabitants")

He has defined the relation between the common man in Kashmir and the Army as that of a 'Humsaya' or co-inhabitants; and has always stood for a people-friendly environment. He has extensively used social, print and electronic media for assuring the public of their security and safety. To avoid any losses of innocent lives during ‘encounters’ he requested the locals to avoid un-cleared areas.[18] He has interacted with the Shri Amarnatji Yatrees, those proceeding on Hajj,[19][20] participated in Eid Milan[21] and annual Kheer Bhawani fair emphasising the essence and importance of Kashmiriyat, the syncretic culture of Kashmir.[22]

Kashmir Youth - Positively Hopeful

During his over 12-year tenure, he has found the Kashmiri youth to be very energetic, highly cultured and very positive.[23] He called upon the youth to increase connect with the Army for professional and personal growth,[24] and to take up the many employment opportunities in the Army.[25] The message to the youth has been to stay motivated, take education seriously, stay away from drugs, respect parents and become a good citizen and son.[26][27][28]

"Taleem Se Taraqqi" (Development through Education) Campaign

Elucidating the role of education in the development of Kashmiri youth, he has highlighted the role of Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) in providing quality education at very affordable cost, and the endeavour to modernise by digitisation of sixteen AGS through Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) efforts of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited(PGCIL).[29][30][31] There is even outreach to the children of Gujars, Bakarwals and those grazing cattle in remote areas.[32] Lauding the role of teachers he said "Mitti to mitti hoti hai, lekin jab kumhar ka hath lagta hai to wahi mitti ek bhagwan ki murti ban jati hai".[33] He, on numerous occasions, has urged the youth to benefit from the very popular and successful Super 50 (Engineering) with CSR support from Petronet LNG and Super 30 (Medical) with CSR support from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).[34][35]

Awards and decorations

During his military career of 39 years, he has been awarded with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, and the Vishisht Seva Medal.[36]

Param Vishist Seva Medal Uttam Yudh Seva Medal Yudh Seva Medal
Vishisht Seva Medal Samanya Seva Medal Special Service Medal Operation Vijay Medal
Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal High Altitude Service Medal Videsh Seva Medal
50th Anniversary of Independence Medal 30 Years Long Service Medal 20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal

Later career

Dhillon was appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, on 25 August 2023 for a period of three years. [37] Dhillon will succeed Professor Prem Vrat, the founding director of IIT Roorkee, in the position.

Books

  • Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye, My Life Story[38]

References

  1. ↑ "'Operation Maa' author in Kashmir, Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon hangs up his boots". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  2. ↑ "Lt Gen KJS Dhillon to take charge as DG DIA, DCIDS". India Today. Press Trust of India. 9 March 2020.
  3. ↑ "lt-gen-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-15-corps". 9 February 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 Desk, KR Web. "Lt Gen KJS Dhillon takes over as GoC of Srinagar-based 15 Corps". Kashmir Reader. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  5. ↑ Manjeet Negi (8 February 2019). "KJS Dhillon takes charge of Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles". India Today. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  6. ↑ "Lt Gen KJS Dhillon Is New Kashmir CORPS Commander". Kashmir Life. 9 February 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  7. ↑ Negi, Manjeet Singh (21 September 2019). "KJS Dhillon takes charge of Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles". India Today.
  8. ↑ "Pulwama encounter: Armymen led from front to prevent civilian casualties, says Lt Gen KJS Dhillon". India Today. Ist.
  9. ↑ Lt Gen Dhillon hands over command of Kashmir based 15 Corps to Lt Gen BS Raju
  10. ↑ "Details". epaper.greaterkashmir.com.
  11. ↑ Scroll Staff. "New policy to encourage militants in Jammu and Kashmir to surrender being considered: Indian Express". Scroll.in.
  12. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (31 December 2019). "Mothers, sisters & daughters are key to family life & #Kashmir households. "You are the future family builders. May you achieve much in your personal, social & professional lives". Laurels await you through heritage of Kashmiriyat, Sufiyat & Insaniyat. @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA".
  13. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (9 August 2019). "#Mothers are the pillar of society. Since young boys invariably listen to their mothers, I urge them to guide their children to follow the righteous path. Children of #Kashmir have a very bright future. My best wishes to them - #chinarCorpsCdr #kashmiriYouthDaBest #Listen2Parents".
  14. ↑ "Operation 'Maa' by Army in J&K yields results; around 50 local terrorists return to families | India News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  15. ↑ "Save your sons, stone-pelters die as terrorists, Army tells J&K moms | India News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  16. ↑ "More from the Joint Press conference of Army and Police". 2 August 2019.
  17. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (9 August 2019). "#Mothers are the pillar of society. Since young boys invariably listen to their mothers, I urge them to guide their children to follow the righteous path. Children of #Kashmir have a very bright future. My best wishes to them - #chinarCorpsCdr #kashmiriYouthDaBest #Listen2Parentspic.twitter.com/n9NamFoRL1".
  18. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (4 September 2019). "JOINT MEDIA BRIEF."Hum log (Awaam&Army) 'humsaaya' hain, din-raat ikatthe rehte hain. We are there for them through thick & thin. We have been working together to call out Pak propaganda targeted at triggering unrest in #Kashmir Valley"- #ChinarCorpsCdr @adgpi @NorthernComd_IApic.twitter.com/5rrQ0p7ArW".
  19. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (21 July 2019). "Every Muslim has a dream that he would go for HAJJ one day. I am happy that these lucky people are going for HAJJ. My only message is - Pray for the wellbeing of your family as well as for lasting AMAN-CHAIN in J&K #MissionPeaceKashmir #AwamArmyConnect @adgpi @NorthernComd_IApic.twitter.com/ztnQNB9GAQ".
  20. ↑ Mamtany, Sidhant (22 July 2019). "Indian Army General wishes Hajj pilgrims, calls them 'lucky few' to fulfil dream". www.indiatvnews.com.
  21. ↑ "Srinagar: Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Dhillon participates in Eid Milan". 9 June 2019 – via Business Standard.
  22. ↑ "Army's Chinar Corps Commander pays obeisance at Mela Kheer Bhawani". Brighter Kashmir.
  23. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (9 August 2019). "A Kashmiri youth is highly intelligent. Academics, arts, sports, intellectual aspects -he has a great future everywhere. He just needs to guard against drugs, radicalization & propaganda. With right direction & encouragement, sky is the limit for him #KashmirYouthDaBest #Kashmirpic.twitter.com/bOEf3P0xEi".
  24. ↑ "Epaper Brighter kashmir :- Digital Edition". epaper.brighterkashmir.com.
  25. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (14 September 2019). "#Initiative4KashmiriYouth. #IndianArmy has taken the First Initiative for the youth of #Kashmir and in coming months more than 3000 of them would be recruited in JAK LI, TA Battalions and other Regiments - #ChinarCorpsCdr while interacting with media todaypic.twitter.com/Pl6vsu0JlU".
  26. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (14 September 2019). "#CapacityBuildingTour. "My message to youth of #Kashmir is simple - Study hard, play hard, stay healthy, respect your teachers & parents, stay away from guns & drugs, concentrate on your future, become a good citizen..., take your family to another level" - #ChinarCorpsCdrpic.twitter.com/U1QMu28vdK".
  27. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (9 August 2019). "#Mothers are the pillar of society. Since young boys invariably listen to their mothers, I urge them to guide their children to follow the righteous path. Children of #Kashmir have a very bright future. My best wishes to them - #chinarCorpsCdr #kashmiriYouthDaBest #Listen2Parentspic.twitter.com/n9NamFoRL1".
  28. ↑ "Epaper Brighter kashmir :- Digital Edition". epaper.brighterkashmir.com.
  29. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (18 September 2019). "An MoU was signed today between @pgcilindia & #IndianArmy to provide Digital Education Programme in ten #ArmyGoodwillSchools in #Kashmir region in the presence of Hon'ble Governor of J&K, Union Minister of State for Power (IC)& #ChinarCorpsCdr. Great initiative by PGCIL to sp AGSpic.twitter.com/XYLXIEVGs5".
  30. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (24 September 2019). "#ChinarCorpsCdr interacted with the students & teachers of Army Goodwill Public School, Pahalgam. He shared some thoughts with them. AGPS #Pahalgam has emerged as one of the best schools of the Valley providing modern education to students @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA @Whiteknight_IApic.twitter.com/97URc5ctuP".
  31. ↑ "Kashmir Age Page: 3 - ePaper Kashmr Age | NewsPaper". epaper.kashmirage.net.
  32. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (7 September 2018). "#ChinarCorpsCdr inaugurated "Aamad-e-Khaza Mela" for the Gujjar-Bakarwal community in #Pahalgam on 07 Sep 18; over 1500 people attended the mega event which comprised Med & Vet Camps, games & food stalls. Contribution of the community in conduct of Amarnath Yatra has been immensepic.twitter.com/Fd1prhrD6e".
  33. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (19 June 2019). ""Mitti to mitti hoti hai, lekin jab kumhar ka hath lagta hai to wahi mitti ek bhagwan ki murti ban jati hai" - #ChinarCorpsCdr applauding the role of teachers during #Super30 inauguration today #Srinagar #Kashmir #IndianArmy @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA @Whiteknight_IA @easterncomd".
  34. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (19 June 2019). "#ChinarCorpsCdr inaugurates 2nd batch of Kashmir Super 30 Medical. Program supported by @HPCL. 30Students of poor families selected. Astounding results of 1st batch in NEET. Ranks indicate selection of 20 to 25 students in MBBS/BDS. Thankful to #HPCL & #NIEDO for their supportpic.twitter.com/gkmbTRF4x7".
  35. ↑ Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (26 September 2019). "#ChinarCorpsCdr visits #Super30Medical, a #Sadhbhavna initiative with @HPCL-sponsors #NIEDO - training partner. Provides free coaching, lodging and boarding for 30 needy students of J&K. #TaleemSeTaraqqi #AwamArmyConnect @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA @Whiteknight_IApic.twitter.com/tNpmKoBD2h".
  36. ↑ "Army's 15 Corps commander awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his services in Kashmir valley". The New Indian Express.
  37. ↑ "Lt Gen Dhillon is IIT-Mandi BoG Chairperson". Indian Express.
  38. ↑ Chellappan, Kumar (7 May 2022). "Kashmir's story comes alive through a veteran's eyes". Irish Times. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
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