Julio Ribeiro is considered one of India's most distinguished police officers. He is known for his courage, integrity, and leadership. He is also a respected author and diplomat.
Julio Ribeiro's tenure as Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab during the Sikh insurgency period (1983-1995) was marked by both challenges and successes. He was appointed to the post in 1987, at a time when the insurgency was at its peak. The state was engulfed in violence, with daily killings of civilians, security personnel, and militants.
Ribeiro's first task was to restore law and order in the state. He adopted a multi-pronged approach that included:
Strengthening the Punjab Police: Ribeiro increased the strength of the Punjab Police by recruiting more personnel and providing them with better training and equipment.
Improving intelligence gathering: Ribeiro focused on improving intelligence gathering to identify and neutralize militants. He established a special intelligence cell and deployed undercover agents to infiltrate militant groups.
Targeting militant leaders: Ribeiro ordered the Punjab Police to target militant leaders and disrupt their networks. This led to the killing or capture of several key figures in the insurgency.
Addressing the root causes of the insurgency: Ribeiro recognized that the insurgency was fueled by deep-seated grievances among the Sikh community. He worked to address these grievances by advocating for greater autonomy for Punjab and promoting dialogue between the government and Sikh leaders.
Ribeiro's strategies were successful in reducing the level of violence in Punjab. The number of killings decreased significantly, and the insurgency was eventually brought to an end.
Ribeiro's methods were not without controversy. He was criticized for using harsh tactics, including extrajudicial killings and detentions without trial. However, he maintained that these measures were necessary to counter the threat of the insurgency.
Despite the controversy, there is no doubt that Julio Ribeiro played a key role in defeating the Sikh insurgency. He was a courageous and determined leader who took decisive action to restore peace to Punjab.
Legacy
Julio Ribeiro is considered one of India's most distinguished police officers. He is known for his courage, integrity, and leadership. He is also a respected author and diplomat.
Ribeiro's legacy is complex and continues to be debated. Some see him as a hero who saved Punjab from the brink of chaos, while others view him as a ruthless enforcer who trampled on human rights. However, there is no doubt that he was a significant figure in Indian history.
More about Julio Francis Ribeiro
Julio Francis Ribeiro (born 5 May 1929) is a retired Indian police officer and civil servant. He held increasingly responsible positions during his career and led the Punjab Police during part of the Punjab insurgency periods. In 1987, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award for his services.
Early life and education
Julio Ribeiro was born on 5 May 1929 in Bombay, India. He is the son of a doctor and a nurse. He was educated at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai and the University of Mumbai.
Police career
Ribeiro joined the Indian Police Service in 1953. He served in various districts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. He was also on deputation to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for six years from 1973 to 1979.
In 1982, Ribeiro was appointed Commissioner of Police, Mumbai. He served in this position for four years, during which time he was credited with improving the city's law and order situation.
In 1986, Ribeiro was appointed Director General of Police (DGP), Gujarat. He served in this position for a year, during which time he was responsible for quelling the communal riots that had erupted in the state.
In 1987, Ribeiro was appointed DGP, Punjab. He served in this position for three years, during which time he was responsible for leading the Punjab Police in its fight against the Sikh insurgency. He was credited with reducing the level of violence in the state and bringing the insurgency to an end.
After retiring from the police service in 1990, Ribeiro served as Ambassador to Romania from 1993 to 1996. He has also written an autobiography, Bullet for Bullet: My Life as a Police Officer.
Awards and recognition
Padma Bhushan (1987)
Indian Police Medal (1962)
President's Police Medal (1971)
Police Medal for Gallantry (1978)
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (1985)