In a move highlighting the Centre’s focus on operationally seasoned leadership, three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre have been empanelled for appointment at the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) or equivalent level in the Government of India.
The officers—Mukesh Singh (1996 batch), Viplav Kumar Choudhary, and Vijay Kumar (both 1997 batch)—were included in the list of 38 IPS officers approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on June 14, 2025. Their elevation reflects recognition of their extensive experience in counter-terrorism, insurgency management, and law enforcement in one of India’s most sensitive regions.
Mukesh Singh, who served as ADGP Jammu Zone, is known for leading high-impact anti-terror operations and fortifying border security. Viplav Kumar Choudhary has handled critical counter-insurgency responsibilities with a calm yet strategic approach. Vijay Kumar, as former IGP Kashmir, played a crucial role in neutralising high-value militant targets, coordinating intelligence efforts, and stabilising internal security in Kashmir during volatile periods.
Their empanelment marks a strategic shift towards leveraging deep field experience for central postings in agencies like the Ministry of Home Affairs, NIA, IB, and paramilitary leadership—especially in roles requiring expertise in counter-terrorism and intelligence coordination.
The ACC also cleared the names of officers from the AGMUT cadre, including Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, Sagar Preet Hooda, and Sharad Agarwal—each of whom has a track record of serving in diverse and challenging terrains.
Apart from J&K and AGMUT cadres, the empanelment features senior IPS officers from nearly all major Indian states, notably Abhinav Kumar, Bhanu Bhaskar, Nayyar Hasnain Khan, and K Jayaraman, reflecting a strong and balanced national pool of top police leadership.
This latest round of empanelment is expected to significantly strengthen the Centre’s ability to deploy tested leaders in key national security and internal policing roles at a critical juncture.
