In a significant development, IPS officer Nalin Prabhat has been appointed as the Special Director General of Police (SDGP) for Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, announced his appointment as Special DGP and DGP effective from October 1, 2024, following the Cabinet Appointment Committee’s clearance of his inter-cadre deputation from Andhra Pradesh to the AGMUT cadre yesterday.
Prabhat, a 1992-batch IPS officer, will take charge from RR Swain upon his retirement next month. Until then, he will serve as the Special Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police. This announcement coincides with the 78th Independence Day of the country, marking a pivotal moment for law enforcement in J&K.
Originally from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, Prabhat has an extensive background in counter-terrorism operations. He has previously served as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) and as Additional Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Nalin Prabhat has a notable history of service in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during its peak terrorism era. He gained widespread recognition for his leadership during the 2009 Lal Chowk anti-fidayin operation, where he successfully neutralized terrorists who had attacked the Punjab Hotel in Srinagar, preventing further destruction in the heart of the city.
As he steps into the role of DGP, Prabhat will face considerable challenges, especially given a recent surge in terrorism in the Jammu region. His extensive experience in handling high-stakes situations will be crucial as he navigates these pressing issues.
In parallel, preparations for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are ramping up. The Election Commission has recently reviewed electoral arrangements following a record voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections. The electoral process is expected to last about a month, with the number of assembly seats increasing from 83 to 90 after a recent delimitation exercise, not accounting for those seats designated for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
As Nalin Prabhat takes on this pivotal role, all eyes will be on his strategies and initiatives to address the complex security landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.