Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: In a major boost to the BJP countrywide including Jammu and Kashmir, a prominent Muslim face and former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Farooq Khan is joining the BJP tomorrow in the presence of BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi during his massive rally at Hiranagar in Kathua district.
An IPS officer, Mr Khan is popular among all the communities as he fought major battles against the militancy during his career in the Police Department for which he has been awarded with all available President’s medals for gallantry, bravery, distinguished and meritorious services.
It goes to the credit of Mr Khan that he was instrumental in vacating Hazratbal shrine from the militants in March 1996 in world’s longest operation in Kashmir in which 18 militants were killed and seven others were arrested, majority of them foreigners.
Again, it was Mr Khan, who had vacated historic Ragunath temple from the fidayeens in 2003 killing all of them.
Army, civil administration and all security agencies have handed over commendation certificates to Mr Khan for his gallant services.
Sources said the BJP planned to utilise the services of Mr Khan all across the country in the elections including Jammu and Kashmir. He could be given important assignments.