Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon

Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, UYSM, YSM, VSM is a serving General Officer in the Indian Army. He currently serves as the Director General Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence) under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) since 9 March 2020.[1]

Lieutenant General K J S Dhillon UYSM, YSM, VSM
Nickname(s)	Tiny
Allegiance	India
Service/branch	Indian Army
Years of service	1983 - present
Rank	Lieutenant General
Service number	IC-41509F
Unit	Rajputana Rifles
Commands held	XV Corps
Awards	Uttam Yudh Seva Medal Yudh Seva Medal Vishisht Seva Medal

Gen Dhillon last served as the 48th Commander of the XV Corps of the Indian Army,[2] assuming the post from Lt Gen Anil Kumar Bhatt.[3]

Early life and education

He is graduate from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and National Defence College, Delhi[3]

Career

Lt Gen Dhillon was commissioned in December 1983 in Rajputana Rifles and has had an illustrious military career spanning 35 years is credited with important appointments at the Army Headquarters and instructional appointments at Infantry School, Mhow, and Indian Army training team abroad. 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.[3] Before taking over as the Chinar Corps Commander, the General Officer was tenanting the appointment of Director General Perspective Planning.[4] He was appointed as the colonel of the regiment of Rajputana Rifles on September 21, 2019, when he took over from Lt Gen Abhay Krishna.[5]

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.[6] In an official statement on this, he described his efforts against terror launch pads especially, "after August 5 last year", as the statement read.[7]

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.[8] To reduce local terrorists, continuously chances are given to misguided youth to 'return',[9] 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”[10] 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".[11]

Operation MAA (Mother)

Mothers have been the pillar of Kashmiri society and enjoy immense respect.[12] 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.[13][14] 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.[15]

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.[16] He has interacted with the Shri Amarnatji Yatrees, those proceeding on Hajj,[17][18] participated in Eid Milan[19] and annual Kheer Bhawani fair emphasising the essence and importance of Kashmiriyat, the syncretic culture of Kashmir.[20] Taking the ‘Humsaya’ commitment forward, many short and long-term projects, for the betterment of the common man, have been projected to the Government.[21]

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.[22][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 35 years, he has been awarded with the Yudh Seva Medal, the Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.[36]

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

References

1. "Lt Gen KJS Dhillon to take charge as DG DIA, DCIDS". India Today. Press Trust of India. March 9, 2020.
2. "lt-gen-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-15-corps". 2019-02-09. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
3. Desk, KR Web. "Lt Gen KJS Dhillon takes over as GoC of Srinagar-based 15 Corps". Kashmir Reader. Retrieved 2019-06-11.
4. "Lt Gen KJS Dhillon Is New Kashmir CORPS Commander". Kashmir Life. 2019-02-09. Retrieved 2019-06-11.
5. "KJS Dhillon takes charge of Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles". India Today. September 21, 2019. |first= missing |last= (help)
6. "Pulwama encounter: Armymen led from front to prevent civilian casualties, says Lt Gen KJS Dhillon". India Today. Ist.
7. Lt Gen Dhillon hands over command of Kashmir based 15 Corps to Lt Gen BS Raju
8. "Details". epaper.greaterkashmir.com.
9. Scroll Staff. "New policy to encourage militants in Jammu and Kashmir to surrender being considered: Indian Express". Scroll.in.
10. Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (December 31, 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".
11. Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (August 9, 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".
12. "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.
13. "Save your sons, stone-pelters die as terrorists, Army tells J&K moms | India News - Times of India". The Times of India.
14. "More from the Joint Press conference of Army and Police". August 2, 2019.
15. Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (August 9, 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".
16. Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (September 4, 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".
17. Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (July 21, 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".
18. Mamtany, Sidhant (July 22, 2019). "Indian Army General wishes Hajj pilgrims, calls them 'lucky few' to fulfil dream". www.indiatvnews.com.
19. "Srinagar: Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Dhillon participates in Eid Milan". June 9, 2019 – via Business Standard.
20. "Army's Chinar Corps Commander pays obeisance at Mela Kheer Bhawani". Brighter Kashmir.
21. "J&K | 'Hum Saaya Hain Hum Log': Lt Gen KJS Dhillon upholds Army's spirit of facing challenges together to help citizens". Republic World.
22. "J&K | 'The future of Kashmiri youth is bright,' says Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, here's the Chinar Corps Commander's message". Republic World.
23. Army, Chinar Corps-Indian (August 9, 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 (September 14, 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 (September 14, 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 (August 9, 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 (September 18, 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 (September 24, 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 (September 7, 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 (June 19, 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 (June 19, 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 (September 26, 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.