From Desk to Duty: Of Power, Responsibilities and Challenges
From Desk to Duty: Of Power, Responsibilities and Challenges
LAW & MAHATMA’S LATHI
June 3, 2024
One might mistake him for a Gorkha but his story is of resilience and commitment to justice from prejudice
With his chiselled features – high cheekbones, a rosy complexion, monolid eyes, and a neatly trimmed crew cut – Robin Hibu from Arunachal often gets mistaken for a Gorkha army officer. Yet, beneath this exterior lies a story of resilience and commitment to justice, rooted in his experience of prejudice from the moment he arrived in Delhi in 1988.
Imagine this: On the Brahmaputra Mail train from Guwahati to Delhi, armed with a valid ticket, he found himself amidst the chaos when a group of towering soldiers stormed in at Mughalsarai station, ordering him to sit outside by calling him ‘Bahadur’ (a colloquial term for Gorkha watchmen). “A surge of defiance tingled within me momentarily, yet a profound echo of Gandhiji’s principled stance against injustice whispered in my mind,” recalls Hibu, who is posted in Delhi Police as Special Commissioner. Despite this, he endured the humiliation of a long journey perched uncomfortably close to the train’s washroom.
Cut to 2014 general elections, Hibu, who was then posted as Joint Commissioner and staying in Delhi for the past 16 years, still faced a test of racial scrutiny when the voting officials’ eyes widened with confusion as he stepped into the polling booth, an incident that had really shocked and surprised him.
Hibu’s journey from Hong, a remote village in Arunachal Pradesh, where government jobs were not esteemed due to limited development, to becoming a civil servant was not without its challenges. “When I shared my dream of becoming a civil servant, I faced a wave of opposition,” he reflects. “Now, having attained my goal, I’m surrounded by people. Yet, their expectations persist, some even question why I haven’t secured them jobs, mocking ‘my position’.”
Raised in the serene culture of the Apatani tribe, Hibu’s education took a unique turn. Instead of a bustling school, he found himself in a small institution shaped by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Here, under the guidance of a dedicated teacher, Guna Baideo, his thirst for knowledge blossomed, setting him on a path of service to his community.
In the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, a school founded before independence stands as a living tribute to Gandhi’s teachings. Leading young minds through its halls was Guna Baideo, a selfless educator who devoted herself to shaping futures. For Hibu, a former student, this place, now called “Hong Ashram”, was where ambition took root, nurtured by Guna Baideo’s nurturing care. “At 6 or 7, I remember arriving drenched from rain, but Guna ma’am’s warmth never faltered,” recalls Hibu, reflecting on her unwavering support.
Leaving for Delhi to pursue history at JNU, Hibu found a second home where friendships bloomed amidst academic pursuits. Financial struggles tested his resolve, but kind professors like Yogender Singh and librarian Salma eased the burden. Joining the IPS, Hibu aimed to break stereotypes against North-East Indians, drawing from his experiences to empower his community through advocacy.
As an officer, Hibu faced daunting challenges, including cracking the infamous Chandrakant Jha case during his tenure as DCP (West Delhi). Jha’s reign of terror ended in a gripping showdown in May 2007, thanks to Hibu’s team’s technical prowess and keen instincts. Jha’s chilling confession unveiled more horrors, echoing the violence Hibu witnessed as a UN Peacekeeping Force Commander in Yugoslavia, a post he calls ‘the most satisfying in his career’ and which earned him the global body’s Peace Medal in 2001.
Through adversity and triumph, Hibu’s journey exemplifies resilience and dedication, fuelled by the lessons learned in the corridors of Hong Ashram. Despite having served in just two organizations under his cadre, Hibu cherishes the depth of experience gained, a stark contrast to the hypothetical breadth of a career that would span various states and UTs.
In 2008, Hibu embarked on a journey back to Arunachal Pradesh, taking charge as DIG of the Eastern range. Leading a team, he tackled a Rs 15 crore treasury consignment robbery in Anini, a remote town nestled in the Dibang Valley. Despite facing dense jungle terrain and insurgency, they recovered the stolen funds through covert operations, earning praise from top officials.
Recognized by the state government, Hibu used the honorarium to kickstart his NGO, ‘Helping Hands’. “After four years of paperwork, it finally launched,” he recalls. Now, the NGO offers a range of services from UPSC coaching to scholarships for NEET and IIT exams, aiding orphans, girls, and offering legal support and career guidance.
Operating in three main areas, the NGO provides urgent aid in the Himalayas, ensures dignified burials or cremations for orphaned individuals, and manages a blood bank in Delhi. Leveraging social media, they prioritize aiding North-Easterners while extending support to all in need.
Hibu’s dedication extends further, donating ancestral land and half his salary to the NGO’s centre, which hosts the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. With 800 volunteers worldwide, they span from the US to France, offering aid and solidarity, especially during crises like the Manipur crisis.
Hibu’s work has also recently sprang good news for young people in the Northeast struggling with mental health challenges as his NGO just opened the first ever counselling centre for his home district where youngsters facing issues like anxiety or depression will have a safe space to get help. Hibu’s team felt that mental health issues have been on the rise among Northeastern youth, sometimes leading to heartbreaking consequences and hence they decided to act.
Hibu’s leadership led to the establishment of Delhi Police’s SPUNER, a unit dedicated to North-Eastern residents. Despite bureaucratic hurdles, the unit, complete with a helpline (1093), finally materialized after two years, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding North-Eastern communities.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, discrimination against North-Easterners spiked, with hurtful labels like ‘Chini‘ and ‘Corona‘ flung their way. But one man, Hibu, stood up to the challenge. Leading a unit, he not only documented these incidents but also ensured that essential supplies reached those affected. Hibu knows well the hurdles his community faces, from cultural barriers to enduring racial bias.
In March 2017, Hibu took on the role of Joint Commissioner (Operations), overseeing the Police Control Room with a special focus on women’s safety, a cause close to his heart. Just a few months later, in September, he made history as the first Northeastern to be appointed Joint Commissioner (Rashtrapati Bhawan), becoming the Chief Security Officer of the Presidential Secretariat.
Since 2019, Hibu had been a pivotal figure in Special Commissioner of Delhi’s Armed Battalion Unit, ensuring the safety of VIPs and maintaining order. Yet, his approach to policing goes beyond apprehending wrongdoers; he strives to care for everyone, from detainees to the accused. Transforming his unit into more than just a law enforcement agency, he established a community hub complete with a marriage hall and a mini hospital.
Recently, he has taken on a new role as Special Commissioner (Vigilance), determined to combat corruption head-on. When not tackling crime, you’ll find him unwinding on the badminton court or finding solace in yoga. But his true passion lies in environmental conservation and spending quality time with his family, including his dentist wife Dr. Gampi and two daughters. And if you’re lucky, he might even treat you to a melody on his mouth organ!
Hibu's mantra is simple: truth above all else. “Follow the truth, and you’ll always find happiness,” he asserts. His commitment to truth was put to the test during his time in Pasighat district, where he stood firm in the face of challenges.
In 2001, as Pasighat SP, Hibu confronted a powerful local leader accused of coercing vendors during Durga Puja festivities. Despite facing intimidation, he ensured justice prevailed, leading to the leader’s detention. Such actions earned him both praise but a transfer as well.
In 2012, during a visit to Pasighat as IG, Hibu was touched by the transformation of the former troublemaker who credited him for his change of heart. Reflecting on such encounters, Hibu cherishes the impact he can make on individuals and communities. “I was happy and realised that Agar aage badhna hai toh beta banke… baap nahi (If you have to succeed in life, be a son, not a father),” he laughs at this quote.
Recalling a pivotal moment in his career as Itanagar SP in 2004, Hibu faced a dilemma when a high-ranking militant escaped prison. Despite pressure for a violent resolution, he chose compassion and non-violent methods. Through empathy and understanding, Hibu facilitated remarkable outcomes, challenging conventional notions of law enforcement.
For Hibu, the ultimate goal remains clear: ensuring that no innocent person suffers, even in the face of adversity. His claim to fame stems from his role as first IPS officer rom Arunachal, a narrative now enshrined in the state’s elementary school curriculum. Yet, he believes his journey holds deeper significance. “Even if I became a chapraasi (clerk), it would have been a great achievement,” Hibu reflects with a hint of amusement. He attributes his success to perseverance, diligence, and faith in a higher power. “And mark my words, this is just the beginning,” he adds with conviction.
One might mistake him for a Gorkha but his story is of resilience and commitment to justice from prejudice.
👉I wrote and posted this True Story after taking proper permission from Sir Robin Hibu (IPS) from New Delhi.
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Jenny PG
Editor
Arunachal News Coverage
