SHILLONG: Former DGP of Meghalaya Rajiv Mehta has become the new security advisor to the Meghalaya government.
The appointment of Mehta comes a year after the state government’s failed attempt to get an extension for him from the Centre after he retired.
The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting held here on Friday after the Political department made the proposal and the Home (Police) Department recommended Mehta’s name.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told media persons that Mehta would hold the coveted post for an initial period of one year.
Sangma said the state government should have a dedicated person who can articulate appropriate suggestions to strengthen internal security and combat the problem of militancy, besides managing the strategic international border with Bangladesh.
The Political Department felt it necessary to have a dedicated person who would be able to ensure coordination with the northeastern states “because challenges across the international border are in all states of the region”, he added.
Mehta’s appointment will also help in sensitising police about human rights and improving police-public relation.