The arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh, along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on Saturday from Kashmir has raised a serious question mark over the counter insurgency operation in the valley.
An officer decorated with the President’s Medal and associated with the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police’s anti-hijacking unit at the Srinagar airport, Singh was arrested along with some “most wanted” terrorists.
His arrest has led to questions within the security establishment regarding the extent of his connection with the terrorists, and has also put the spotlight on various high-profile cases he has handled, including the 2001 Parliament attack.
Singh, who was awarded the President’s Medal for gallantry last year, had first been mentioned by Afzal Guru in 2004, when he was lodged in Tihar jail for his role in the Parliament attack. Guru had reportedly said Singh had asked him to take a certain Pakistani national named Mohammad “to Delhi, rent a flat for his stay and purchase a car for him”. It is for the investigation agency to find out whether he was acting alone or he had the blessing of his superiors. There are chances that there may be a large network working here for financial gain.
The arrest of DSP Davinder Singh along with terrorists is a watershed moment in the history of fight against insurgency in Kashmir. This is for the first time a serving decorated officer has been arrested for conspiring with terrorists. Only a proper and honest probe will unearth the truth. The entire country will be closely following the outcome of the investigation.