Punjab’s counter-terrorism operations may be well known, but the cops who have helmed them at various stages on ground are sometimes nondescript officers who have used more brain than brawn in tackling the complex Pakistan-sponsored pro-Khalistani networks.
One such officer is Amit Prasad, Additional Director General, counter intelligence in Punjab police, sole recipient of the President’s police medal for distinguished service from Punjab this year.
On the eve of Independence Day, a total of 954 Police personnel have been awarded Police Medals.
A 1995 batch IPS officer of Punjab cadre, Prasad is a graduate in history who has been working to curb the growing threats from terror-gangster networks and pro-Khalistani activities. These nexus have time and again fuelled militancy in the border state, the latest being this year with the terror threat peaking in Punjab with the storming of Ajnala police station and subsequent chase for pro-Khalistani operative Amritpal Singh.
While the security establishment remained on tenterhooks for months, the damage was minimum, with no loss of lives or destruction of public property and law enforced with Singh and other accused being sent to jail.
Punjab has since remained peaceful even as countries like the UK, Canada, and the US have seen transnational networks trying to create unrest. Prasad has been serving in Punjab for eight years now, helming efforts to control organised crime as well. He earlier served in ITBP carrying out rescue operations during the 2013 Kedarnath flood disaster.
Meanwhile, the President's Police Medal for Gallantry has been awarded to one CRPF personnel, Police Medal for Gallantry bagged by 229 personnel, President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service awarded to 82 and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service has been awarded to 642.
Among the majority of the 230 Gallantry Awards, 125 personnel were from left-wing extremism-affected areas, 71 personnel from Jammu and Kashmir region and one personnel from North East region are being awarded for their gallant action. The CRPF, which is the largest paramilitary force in the country has bagged the highest number of gallantry medals at 84, including four Kirti Chakra and
four Shaurya Chakra this year.
