Srinagar, Sep 30 (Reporter) Jammu and Kashmir Police gave a warm send-off to its outgoing Director General of Police, Rashmi Ranjan Swain, in a specially organised function at Police Headquarters here today. His retirement came a day ahead of the last phase of assembly elections. Speaking at the farewell, the outgoing DGP J&K thanked all the officers who attended the function. Sharing his thoughts about Jammu and Kashmir Police, Swain said J&K Police, unlike any other police force in the country or, for that matter, anywhere else, stands out for two reasons. “It is truly toughest and yet the most people-friendly that fights against the terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides fighting eyeball to eyeball with gun-wielding terrorists, no security agency other than J&K Police fights and controls stone-pelting mobs to prevent the spread of losses and lawlessness, and it does this job with minimum loss of life and property,” he said. The other reason which keeps J&K Police unparalleled is that it has personnel drawn from all regions of Jammu and Kashmir, from all communities. “The diversity within the force is seen to be privileged, and so are the challenges we face; no other police force anywhere in the country is pitted against an adversary that has such open and brazen support from hostile elements, and it is sitting across the border. J&K Police has this unique challenge of fighting the enemy within and from outside. The stamina and the endurance of J&K Police are equally indomitable,” he said. History is in making as a new sun of peace and tranquillity is rising, and peace, free from fear and intimidation, is beginning to shape the future of Jammu and Kashmir. "I am sure and I am fully confident that the change of guard will not deter the JK Police force from losing focus of a bigger fight we have on our hands," the outgoing DGP said. The DGP designate, Prabhat, while speaking on the occasion, said that Swain was like an elder brother and a coursemate. He assured that the ideas and work which Swani has started will continue, including non-kinetic action. “I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful for the warmth the outgoing DGP has shown, and it is a privilege to continue the task he has initiated," he added. The DGP designate further added that Swain’s strength of character is something which will inspire him to rise up to the expected demanding standards. However, few politicians didn't offer any solidarity to the outgoing officer. Youth Peoples Democratic Party leader Waheed Parra accused the outgoing DGP of “criminalised thoughts.” Parra, who spent 18 months in jail for alleged militancy links and is out on bail, expressed his rage through a post on X. “A famous quote once thrown at us by fellow Kashmiris is now aimed at outgoing DGP RR Swain: "How do you sleep at night?" - You criminalised thoughts, weaponised policing, and destroyed lives for your rise. I remember the darkness of the cells and the freezing temperatures I endured under your orders—just like thousands of others,” Para said in a post. “You shattered homes, ruined careers, and profiled young people, othering own citizens for your communal mindset. Your power could have uplifted, but instead, you fuelled division, serving Pakistan’s interests more than India’s by inventing enemies for your promotions. We pray none of your children face the same." Parra's post was also shared by former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. Another senior PDP leader and former minister, Naeem Akhtar, too shared Waheed’s post. “Waheed just plagiarised what was in my mind. That’s my farewell note to Swain as well. I’m one of the victims of his small-minded approach to a community he thought were slaves. Going after citizens’ privacy while letting Shivalik and Peerpanchal turn into a new battleground,” Akhtar said. Swain was brought to J&K in 2020 from his central deputation, a year after the abrogation of Article 370, as the Additional Director General of the J&K Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He was among the most powerful intelligence chiefs. He took over as DGP on October 31 last on the retirement of Dilbag Singh. He was finally confirmed, and in mid-August, the centre announced his replacement. Swain’s tenure saw a spurt in militancy in the Jammu region...////...