The morning skies were unusually clear when we congregated at the Chumukedima Police NAPTC complex ground for the departing DGP’s farewell parade. Bright red and yellow poinsettia flowers blossomed around the arcadian setting of the police hamlet as we trooped to the parade ground.
When the band struck up the familiar marching tunes, each platoon marched past with the Mahila platoon in the rear. K.Kire, IPS took his last salute as Nagaland DGP. At the close of the parade, the band played the retreat. I was not the only one present tearing up at the tune familiar to me from childhood. But on that morning, the full significance of the retreat, also known as the last post, came home to me. It is played to signal the end of the day when the duty officer returns from his tour of the camp and quarters. It is also played at the end of a day of battle so that survivors will know the fighting is over. The sentiment attached to it was deeply meaningful as we watched an officer take leave of his soldiers at the end of a long and successful “battle.”
The honour accoladed by the retreat is equivalent in the soldier’s world to the heavenly welcome that the faithful server of God will receive from his lord, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” To me, that accolade seemed so fitting to the departing DGP, K. Kire. Ever the gentleman from his younger days, Kire applied the lessons of hard work and devotion to duty that he had learnt from his father, Dr Neilhouzhu Kire. He brought that knowledge to his career as a police officer beginning from 1974.
K. Kire, affectionately called Ziebou in his intimate circle of friends, comes from a family of music lovers. Along with a few friends, he formed the first rock and roll band in the 60s called “The Merrymakers.” Their repertoire of Beatles, Monkees, Everley Brothers and other hit songs were hugely popular even when the band changed nomenclature to “The Thunders.” The new band consisted of Ziebou, Temjen Peter, Temjen Aier and Thepfudolhou Solo. Kire has continued to keep his love of music alive by finding time to sing at Veterans’ nite programs and other social gatherings.
An accomplished footballer, Kire was part of the Nagaland XI team that made history first by bringing home the Runners-up trophy in 1967. This was followed by the team defeating the national champion Mohun Bagan XI from Calcutta. The year was 1973 and for the Naga public it was a milestone in Naga football history. At the All India Badminton Championships, the Nagaland Police won the team championship in 2008 but Kire lost in the finals of the 50 + singles. However he took his revenge by winning the singles final in 2010 which was hosted by ITBP at Delhi.
With his multidimensional talents and skills, Kire strove to infuse the same spirit in others around him. The Mahila battalion, which has brought the state many laurels, was raised during his tenure as DGP. The all-girl band of the IRB is another example of his ability to encourage and support extracurricular activities in the police force. The Mahila girls also received four months unarmed combat training to boost their morale. They now have a full fledged girls’ football team now being coached by NIS coaches.
His tenure has seen major improvement in the infrastructure of the Police department. It includes, among others, Police Referral hospital with 8 specialist doctors, Police Officers Mess Delhi, Police Mess at Chumukedima, Police Control Room Kohima, a three-court Badminton stadium and Sports barracks. The construction of DGP’s residential conference hall and SP wireless, Mokokchung were both done at his initiative. Construction of Horse stables at CMD, renovation of Kohima DEF parade ground, and construction of Police Officers Mess CMD including a multi purpose hall have all been accomplished.
In his farewell speech, Kire acknowledged that any achievement in his career was all due to God’s grace. He stated that he had tried to serve the people of Nagaland and was honoured to fulfil that assignment. What an inspiring motto for the next generation to emulate. He also added that sometimes some police officers and soldiers erred while carrying out their duties and hoped that these would be forgiven them. That was an important reminder to all present of our human vulnerability to make mistakes and our need to understand and forgive one another.
As the short and moving ceremony came to a close, and as the police officers and cadets stood to attention for the last time, there was an abiding sense of a life well lived, a job truly well done. In looking after the welfare of the ordinary jawan, Kire has served the Naga people loyally. His reward is found in the love and gratitude his soldiers expressed for him. The larger community has benefited from the blessing of an officer who discharged his duties faithfully. Kire’s statement, “Police officers are the fortunate few who God has given the privilege to be the custodians and guardians of the people” is a creed he has lived by.
It is an example that inspires others to follow suit. It is the example of the trustworthy soldier who is found at his post doing what he had promised to do. I salute you K.Kire: a true officer and a gentleman.
When the band struck up the familiar marching tunes, each platoon marched past with the Mahila platoon in the rear. K.Kire, IPS took his last salute as Nagaland DGP. At the close of the parade, the band played the retreat. I was not the only one present tearing up at the tune familiar to me from childhood. But on that morning, the full significance of the retreat, also known as the last post, came home to me. It is played to signal the end of the day when the duty officer returns from his tour of the camp and quarters. It is also played at the end of a day of battle so that survivors will know the fighting is over. The sentiment attached to it was deeply meaningful as we watched an officer take leave of his soldiers at the end of a long and successful “battle.”
The honour accoladed by the retreat is equivalent in the soldier’s world to the heavenly welcome that the faithful server of God will receive from his lord, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” To me, that accolade seemed so fitting to the departing DGP, K. Kire. Ever the gentleman from his younger days, Kire applied the lessons of hard work and devotion to duty that he had learnt from his father, Dr Neilhouzhu Kire. He brought that knowledge to his career as a police officer beginning from 1974.
K. Kire, affectionately called Ziebou in his intimate circle of friends, comes from a family of music lovers. Along with a few friends, he formed the first rock and roll band in the 60s called “The Merrymakers.” Their repertoire of Beatles, Monkees, Everley Brothers and other hit songs were hugely popular even when the band changed nomenclature to “The Thunders.” The new band consisted of Ziebou, Temjen Peter, Temjen Aier and Thepfudolhou Solo. Kire has continued to keep his love of music alive by finding time to sing at Veterans’ nite programs and other social gatherings.
An accomplished footballer, Kire was part of the Nagaland XI team that made history first by bringing home the Runners-up trophy in 1967. This was followed by the team defeating the national champion Mohun Bagan XI from Calcutta. The year was 1973 and for the Naga public it was a milestone in Naga football history. At the All India Badminton Championships, the Nagaland Police won the team championship in 2008 but Kire lost in the finals of the 50 + singles. However he took his revenge by winning the singles final in 2010 which was hosted by ITBP at Delhi.
With his multidimensional talents and skills, Kire strove to infuse the same spirit in others around him. The Mahila battalion, which has brought the state many laurels, was raised during his tenure as DGP. The all-girl band of the IRB is another example of his ability to encourage and support extracurricular activities in the police force. The Mahila girls also received four months unarmed combat training to boost their morale. They now have a full fledged girls’ football team now being coached by NIS coaches.
His tenure has seen major improvement in the infrastructure of the Police department. It includes, among others, Police Referral hospital with 8 specialist doctors, Police Officers Mess Delhi, Police Mess at Chumukedima, Police Control Room Kohima, a three-court Badminton stadium and Sports barracks. The construction of DGP’s residential conference hall and SP wireless, Mokokchung were both done at his initiative. Construction of Horse stables at CMD, renovation of Kohima DEF parade ground, and construction of Police Officers Mess CMD including a multi purpose hall have all been accomplished.
In his farewell speech, Kire acknowledged that any achievement in his career was all due to God’s grace. He stated that he had tried to serve the people of Nagaland and was honoured to fulfil that assignment. What an inspiring motto for the next generation to emulate. He also added that sometimes some police officers and soldiers erred while carrying out their duties and hoped that these would be forgiven them. That was an important reminder to all present of our human vulnerability to make mistakes and our need to understand and forgive one another.
As the short and moving ceremony came to a close, and as the police officers and cadets stood to attention for the last time, there was an abiding sense of a life well lived, a job truly well done. In looking after the welfare of the ordinary jawan, Kire has served the Naga people loyally. His reward is found in the love and gratitude his soldiers expressed for him. The larger community has benefited from the blessing of an officer who discharged his duties faithfully. Kire’s statement, “Police officers are the fortunate few who God has given the privilege to be the custodians and guardians of the people” is a creed he has lived by.
It is an example that inspires others to follow suit. It is the example of the trustworthy soldier who is found at his post doing what he had promised to do. I salute you K.Kire: a true officer and a gentleman.
