Appointment of State DGP
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Despite having senior IPS officers among those empanelled for appointment as the DGP, the State Government is contemplating to go ahead with the appointment of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Assam, N Ramachandran, a junior.
Though Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma refused to divulge the name of the next DGP after the first meeting of the State Security Commission on Thursday, sources revealed that senior lawyer VGK Kynta, who is a member of the SSC, was active in praising Ramachandran, which, sources say, is an indication that the Government may select the Assam Police official as the State DGP.
Sources also revealed that both Chief Minister and Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh did not speak much during the meeting but waited to hear the opinion of Kynta.
When contacted on Friday, Kynta denied that he had praised Ramachandran during the meeting.
“It is the prerogative of the Government to appoint the next DGP,” the senior lawyer maintained.
Senior police officers in the State have expressed concern over the Government’s intention to appoint Ramachandran since he has never worked in the State.
Ramachandran is due to retire in October next year which means that the Government has to select another DGP after October next year, sources maintained.
Opposition Leader Conrad K Sangma, who is also a member of the SSC, however, said the Government should appoint an officer who is well versed with the affairs of the State.
“Personally, I feel an officer who has already worked in the State should be given the preference,” Sangma added.