KPS Gill will be remembered for service in security field: PM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the launch of the Jan Dhan Yojana, or the Scheme for People's Wealth, in New Delhi August 28, 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the demise of super cop KPS Gill, saying he will be remembered for his service to the nation in the fields of policing and security.

Gill, the former Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab who is credited with rooting out militancy in the state, passed away this afternoon at the age of 82.

"KPS Gill will be remembered for his service to our nation in the fields of policing & security. Pained by his demise. My condolences," tweeted Modi who is on a day-long tour of Assam.

An IPS officer, Gill was the chief of Punjab Police from 1988 to 1990 and then again from 1991 until his retirement from service in 1995.

He is credited with breaking the backbone of Khalistani terrorism in Punjab and finally eliminating it.

Earlier, a major feather was added to his crown when he commanded 'Operation Black Thunder' in May 1988 to flush out militants hiding in the Golden Temple. The operation was hugely successful as little damage was caused to the holiest shrine of Sikhs, compared to 'Operation Blue Star' in 1984 carried out by the Army.

In the Operation Black Thunder, around 67 Sikhs surrendered and 43 were killed.