Time Present and Time Past: Memoirs of a Top Cop

Product Description

In over three decades as a police officer, Kirpal Dhillon handled some of the most challenging assignments in independent India, from antidacoity operations in Madhya Pradesh to revamping a demoralized force as police chief of Punjab in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star. These memoirs describe his experiences in fascinating detail, and present vivid portraits of a range of people, including sadhus and swindlers, maharajas and brigands, scheming politicians and back-stabbing colleagues.

There are evocative descriptions of his village in Punjab, of Partition, and of the leaders he worked with, such as Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Morarji Desai. He writes with insight and expertise about terrorism, law-and-order problems, the training of administrators and policemen, and what can be done to ensure that they function with greater autonomy, accountability and humanity.

'A story of heroism . . . an objective and honest narration of history. This is a 'cracking good book'.'M.N. Buch, administrator, environmentalist, urban planner, writer

'There is much informed insight into the upsurge of Sikh militancy, the circumstances of the Punjab Accord and the subsequent assassination of Sant Harcharan Singh Longowal. . . . An exceptionally well-written book.' Ian Talbot, Professor of History, University of Southampton