Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Bot
Last edited February 23, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
m General improvements to article content
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|INDIAN GENERAL}}
{{short description|Retired Indian Army General}}
{{Unreliable sources|date=January 2020}}
{{Unreliable sources|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = [[Lieutenant General]]
| honorific_prefix = [[Lieutenant General]]
Line 7: Line 9:
| image        = KJS Dhillon.png
| image        = KJS Dhillon.png
| image_size    = 250px
| image_size    = 250px
| nickname      = Tiny
| nickname      = Tiny Dhillon
| allegiance    = {{IND}}
| allegiance    = {{IND}}
| branch        = {{Army| India}}
| branch        = {{Army| India}}
| serviceyears  = December 1983 - January 2022
| serviceyears  = December 1983 – January 2022
| rank          = [[File:Lieutenant General of the Indian Army.svg|22px]] [[Lieutenant General]]
| rank          = [[File:Lieutenant General of the Indian Army.svg|22px]] [[Lieutenant General]]
| unit          = [[Rajputana Rifles]]<br>[[Directorate of Military Intelligence (India)]]
| unit          = [[Rajputana Rifles|4 Rajputana Rifles]]
| commands      = [[XV Corps (India)|XV Corps]]
| commands      = [[XV Corps (India)|XV Corps]]
| awards        = [[File:Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Uttam Yudh Seva Medal ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Uttam Yudh Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Yudh Seva Medal ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Yudh Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Vishisht Seva Medal]]
| awards        = [[File:Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Uttam Yudh Seva Medal ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Uttam Yudh Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Yudh Seva Medal ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Yudh Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Vishisht Seva Medal]]
| laterwork    = Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of [[IIT Mandi]]
}}
}}


[[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]] '''Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon''', [[PVSM]], [[Uttam Yudh Seva Medal|UYSM]], [[Yudh Seva Medal|YSM]], [[Vishisht Seva Medal|VSM]] is a retired [[General Officer]] of the [[Indian Army]].<ref>{{Cite web |title='Operation Maa' author in Kashmir, Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon hangs up his boots |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/jan/31/operation-maa-author-in-kashmir-lieutenant-general-kjs-dhillon-hangs-up-his-boots-2413559.html |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> He last served as the Director General [[Defence Intelligence Agency (India)|Defence Intelligence Agency]] (DG DIA) and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence) (DCIDS Int) under the [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff]] (CDS) from 9 March 2020 to 31 January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lt Gen KJS Dhillon to take charge as DG DIA, DCIDS |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lt-gen-kjs-dhillon-take-charge-dg-dia-dcids-1654022-2020-03-09 |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |website=[[India Today]] |date=March 9, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Prior to this, he served as the 48th Commander of the [[XV Corps (India)|XV Corps]] assuming the post from Lieutenant General [[Anil Kumar Bhatt]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/lt-gen-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-15-corps/726048.html|title=lt-gen-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-15-corps|date=2019-02-09|access-date=2019-04-08}}</ref><ref name="kashmirreader.com">{{Cite web|url=https://kashmirreader.com/2019/02/09/lt-gen-kjs-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-of-srinagar-based-15-corps/|title=Lt Gen KJS Dhillon takes over as GoC of Srinagar-based 15 Corps|last=Desk|first=KR Web|website=Kashmir Reader|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref>
[[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]] '''Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon''', [[PVSM]], [[Uttam Yudh Seva Medal|UYSM]], [[Yudh Seva Medal|YSM]], [[Vishisht Seva Medal|VSM]] is a retired [[General Officer]] of the [[Indian Army]] and the Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of [[IIT Mandi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title='Operation Maa' author in Kashmir, Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon hangs up his boots |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/jan/31/operation-maa-author-in-kashmir-lieutenant-general-kjs-dhillon-hangs-up-his-boots-2413559.html |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> He last served as the Director General [[Defence Intelligence Agency (India)|Defence Intelligence Agency]] (DG DIA) and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence) (DCIDS Int) under the [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff]] (CDS) from 9 March 2020 to 31 January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lt Gen KJS Dhillon to take charge as DG DIA, DCIDS |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lt-gen-kjs-dhillon-take-charge-dg-dia-dcids-1654022-2020-03-09 |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |website=[[India Today]] |date=9 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Prior to this, he served as the 48th Commander of the [[XV Corps (India)|XV Corps]] assuming the post from Lieutenant General [[Anil Kumar Bhatt]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/lt-gen-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-15-corps/726048.html|title=lt-gen-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-15-corps|date=2019-02-09|access-date=2019-04-08|archive-date=8 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208185041/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/lt-gen-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-15-corps/726048.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="kashmirreader.com">{{Cite web|url=https://kashmirreader.com/2019/02/09/lt-gen-kjs-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-of-srinagar-based-15-corps/|title=Lt Gen KJS Dhillon takes over as GoC of Srinagar-based 15 Corps|last=Desk|first=KR Web|website=Kashmir Reader|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-11|archive-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209104758/https://kashmirreader.com/2019/02/09/lt-gen-kjs-dhillon-takes-over-as-goc-of-srinagar-based-15-corps/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
Line 23: Line 26:


== Career ==
== Career ==
Dhillon was commissioned in December 1983 in [[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.<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Manjeet Negi |date=February 8, 2019 |title=KJS Dhillon takes charge of Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lieutenant-general-kjs-dhillon-colonel-regiment-rajputana-rifles-1601761-2019-09-21 |access-date=2022-03-09 |magazine=India Today |language=en}}</ref> He has an incisive understanding of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|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.<ref name="kashmirreader.com" /> Before taking over as the Chinar Corps Commander, the General Officer was tenanting the appointment of Director General Perspective Planning.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kashmirlife.net/lt-gen-kjs-dhillon-is-new-kashmir-corps-commander-201241/|title=Lt Gen KJS Dhillon Is New Kashmir CORPS Commander|date=2019-02-09|website=Kashmir Life|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref> He was appointed as the [[colonel of the regiment|Colonel of the Regiment]] of [[Rajputana Rifles]] on September 21, 2019, when he took over from Lt Gen [[Abhay Krishna]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lieutenant-general-kjs-dhillon-colonel-regiment-rajputana-rifles-1601761-2019-09-21|title=KJS Dhillon takes charge of Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles|first=Manjeet Singh|last=Negi|date=September 21, 2019|website=India Today}}</ref>
Dhillon was commissioned in December 1983 in 4'th Battalion of [[Rajputana Rifles]] and had a 39 year long military career. He is credited with important appointments at the Army Headquarters and instructional appointments at Infantry School, Mhow, and Indian Army training team abroad.<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Manjeet Negi |date=8 February 2019 |title=KJS Dhillon takes charge of Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lieutenant-general-kjs-dhillon-colonel-regiment-rajputana-rifles-1601761-2019-09-21 |access-date=2022-03-09 |magazine=India Today |language=en}}</ref> He is considered an expert on [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], as he served there for five tenures since 1988, including as sector commander of [[Rashtriya Rifles]] and Brigadier General Staff of the Chinar Corps.<ref name="kashmirreader.com" /> Before taking over as the Chinar Corps Commander, the General Officer was tenanting the appointment of Director General Perspective Planning.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kashmirlife.net/lt-gen-kjs-dhillon-is-new-kashmir-corps-commander-201241/|title=Lt Gen KJS Dhillon Is New Kashmir CORPS Commander|date=2019-02-09|website=Kashmir Life|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref> He was appointed as the [[colonel of the regiment|Colonel of the Regiment]] of [[Rajputana Rifles]] on 21 September 2019, when he took over from Lt Gen [[Abhay Krishna]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lieutenant-general-kjs-dhillon-colonel-regiment-rajputana-rifles-1601761-2019-09-21|title=KJS Dhillon takes charge of Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles|first=Manjeet Singh|last=Negi|date=21 September 2019|website=India Today}}</ref>
He retired from Service on January 31, 2022 handing over the reigns to his successor Lt Gen CP Cariappa as the Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles.
He retired from Service on 31 January 2022 and was succeeded by Lt Gen CP Cariappa as the Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles.{{fact|date=March 2023}}


== As XV Corps commander==
== 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 ''[[2019 Pulwama attack|Pulwama Blast]]'' were targeted in the first 100 hours.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pulwama-encounter-army-men-killed-commanders-led-from-front-kjs-dhillon-1459491-2019-02-19|title=Pulwama encounter: Armymen led from front to prevent civilian casualties, says Lt Gen KJS Dhillon|agency=Ist|newspaper=India Today}}</ref> In an official statement on this, he described his efforts against terror launch pads especially, ''"after August 5 last year"'', as the statement read.<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/lt-gen-dhillon-hands-over-command-of-kashmir-based-15-corps-to-lt-gen-bs-raju-120022900651_1.html Lt Gen Dhillon hands over command of Kashmir based 15 Corps to Lt Gen BS Raju]</ref>
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 ''[[2019 Pulwama attack|Pulwama Blast]]'' were targeted in the first 100 hours.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pulwama-encounter-army-men-killed-commanders-led-from-front-kjs-dhillon-1459491-2019-02-19|title=Pulwama encounter: Armymen led from front to prevent civilian casualties, says Lt Gen KJS Dhillon|agency=Ist|newspaper=India Today}}</ref> In an official statement on this, he described his efforts against terror launch pads especially, ''"after August 5 last year"'', as the statement read.<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/lt-gen-dhillon-hands-over-command-of-kashmir-based-15-corps-to-lt-gen-bs-raju-120022900651_1.html Lt Gen Dhillon hands over command of Kashmir based 15 Corps to Lt Gen BS Raju]</ref>
===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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://epaper.greaterkashmir.com/Details.aspx?id=17830&boxid=21020560|title=Details|website=epaper.greaterkashmir.com}}</ref> To reduce local terrorists, continuously chances are given to misguided youth to 'return',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/latest/916156/new-policy-to-encourage-militants-in-jammu-and-kashmir-to-surrender-being-considered-indian-express|title=New policy to encourage militants in Jammu and Kashmir to surrender being considered: Indian Express|author=Scroll Staff|website=Scroll.in}}</ref> 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”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1212010815806570496|title=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 |first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=December 31, 2019}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1159769121787039744|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=August 9, 2019}}</ref>
====Operation ''MAA'' (Mother)====
Mothers have been the pillar of Kashmiri society and enjoy immense respect.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/operation-maa-by-army-in-jk-yields-results-around-50-local-terrorists-return-to-families/articleshow/71875928.cms|title=Operation 'Maa' by Army in J&amp;K yields results; around 50 local terrorists return to families &#124; India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/save-your-sons-stone-pelters-die-as-terrorists-army-tells-jk-moms/articleshow/70506035.cms|title=Save your sons, stone-pelters die as terrorists, Army tells J&amp;K moms &#124; India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kashmirreporter.com/news/4565/more-from-the-joint-press-conference-of-army-and-police/|title=More from the Joint Press conference of Army and Police|date=August 2, 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1159769121787039744|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=August 9, 2019}}</ref>
===''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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1169213241739759616|title=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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=September 4, 2019}}</ref> He has interacted with the Shri Amarnatji Yatrees, those proceeding on [[Hajj]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1153196499196452864|title=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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=July 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-indian-army-general-wishes-hajj-pilgrims-calls-them-lucky-few-to-fulfil-dream-537207|title=Indian Army General wishes Hajj pilgrims, calls them 'lucky few' to fulfil dream|first=Sidhant|last=Mamtany|date=July 22, 2019|website=www.indiatvnews.com}}</ref> participated in [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid]] Milan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/srinagar-chinar-corps-commander-lt-gen-dhillon-participates-in-eid-milan-119060900065_1.html|title=Srinagar: Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Dhillon participates in Eid Milan|date=June 9, 2019|via=Business Standard}}</ref> and annual [[Kheer Bhawani]] fair emphasising the essence and importance of [[Kashmiriyat]], the syncretic culture of Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://brighterkashmir.com//news/armys-chinar-corps-commander-pays-obeisance-at-mela-kheer-bhawani-|title=Army's Chinar Corps Commander pays obeisance at Mela Kheer Bhawani|website=Brighter Kashmir}}</ref>
===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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1159745344470540288|title=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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=August 9, 2019}}</ref> He called upon the youth to increase connect with the Army for professional and personal growth,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://epaper.brighterkashmir.com/EPaper.aspx?4xJIRA1SlO4sY1tvkyUf6A_ep_ep|title=Epaper Brighter kashmir :- Digital Edition|website=epaper.brighterkashmir.com}}</ref> and to take up the many employment opportunities in the Army.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1172903855140433920|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=September 14, 2019}}</ref>  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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1172901098505457664|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=September 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1159769121787039744|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=August 9, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://epaper.brighterkashmir.com/EPaper.aspx?54Kv3Xc75N3Mn33S2AbVWg_ep_ep|title=Epaper Brighter kashmir :- Digital Edition|website=epaper.brighterkashmir.com}}</ref>
==="''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[[Corporate Social Responsibility|(CSR)]] efforts of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited[[Power Grid Corporation of India|(PGCIL)]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1174363958410481665|title=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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=September 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1176534481097723905|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=September 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://epaper.kashmirage.net/epaper/edition/351/kashmir-age%09/page/3|title=Kashmir Age Page: 3 - ePaper Kashmr Age &#124; NewsPaper|website=epaper.kashmirage.net}}</ref> There is even outreach to the children of Gujars, Bakarwals and those grazing cattle in remote areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1038077054456131585|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=September 7, 2018}}</ref> 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''".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1141394762248802304|title="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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=June 19, 2019}}</ref> 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 [[Hindustan Petroleum|(HPCL)]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1141279880471990274|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=June 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1177224374937477122|title=#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|first=Chinar Corps-Indian|last=Army|date=September 26, 2019}}</ref>


== Awards and decorations ==
== 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]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Army's 15 Corps commander awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his services in Kashmir valley |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jan/25/armys-15-corps-commander-awarded-uttam-yudh-seva-medal-for-his-services-in-kashmir-valley-2094533.html |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
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]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Army's 15 Corps commander awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his services in Kashmir valley |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jan/25/armys-15-corps-commander-awarded-uttam-yudh-seva-medal-for-his-services-in-kashmir-valley-2094533.html |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
Line 71: Line 58:
|colspan="1"|[[Param Vishist Seva Medal]]
|colspan="1"|[[Param Vishist Seva Medal]]
|colspan="2"|[[Uttam Yudh Seva Medal]]
|colspan="2"|[[Uttam Yudh Seva Medal]]
|colspan="2"|[[Yudh Seva Medal]]
|[[Yudh Seva Medal]]
|-
|-
|[[Vishisht Seva Medal]]
|[[Vishisht Seva Medal]]
Line 88: Line 75:
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|9 Years Long Service Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|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. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Lt Gen Dhillon is IIT-Mandi BoG Chairperson |work=[[Indian Express]] |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/lt-gen-dhillon-is-iit-mandi-bog-chairperson-8912339/}}</ref> 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''<ref name="DP">{{cite news |last= Chellappan|first= Kumar|date=7 May 2022|title=Kashmir's story comes alive through a veteran's eyes|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/india/kashmir-s-story-comes-alive-through-a-veteran---s-eyes.html|newspaper=Irish Times| access-date= 21 January 2023}}</ref>
* ''Wafadari, Imaandari, Zimmedari (WIZ): War-room to Board-room''


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
{{reflist}}


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
Line 118: Line 112:
[[Category:Recipients of the Yudh Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Yudh Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Defence Services Staff College alumni]]
[[Category:IIT Mandi]]

Latest revision as of 22:34, 23 February 2026


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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Dhillon was commissioned in December 1983 in 4'th Battalion of Rajputana Rifles and had a 39 year long military career. He is credited with important appointments at the Army Headquarters and instructional appointments at Infantry School, Mhow, and Indian Army training team abroad.[5] He is considered an expert on Jammu and Kashmir, as he served there for five tenures since 1988, including as 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 and was succeeded by Lt Gen CP Cariappa as the Colonel of Regiment of Rajputana Rifles.[citation needed]

As XV Corps commander[edit | edit source]

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]

Awards and decorations[edit | edit source]

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.[10]

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[edit | edit source]

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. [11] Dhillon will succeed Professor Prem Vrat, the founding director of IIT Roorkee, in the position.

Books[edit | edit source]

  • Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye: My Life Story[12]
  • Wafadari, Imaandari, Zimmedari (WIZ): War-room to Board-room

References[edit | edit source]

  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. Archived from the original on 8 February 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Desk, KR Web. "Lt Gen KJS Dhillon takes over as GoC of Srinagar-based 15 Corps". Kashmir Reader. Archived from the original on 9 February 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2019. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  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. ↑ "Army's 15 Corps commander awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his services in Kashmir valley". The New Indian Express.
  11. ↑ "Lt Gen Dhillon is IIT-Mandi BoG Chairperson". Indian Express.
  12. ↑ Chellappan, Kumar (7 May 2022). "Kashmir's story comes alive through a veteran's eyes". Irish Times. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
Military offices
Preceded by
Anil Kumar Bhatt 		General Officer Commanding XV Corps
9 February 2019 – 29 February 2020 		Succeeded by
B. S. Raju
Preceded by
 Director General of Perspective Planning Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kanwal_Jeet_Singh_Dhillon&oldid=451515"
Discover more