SHILLONG: Chief Secretary WMS Pariat, who got an extension of six months on January 2, has gone on long leave with Additional Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri now officiating as the Chief Secretary.
Pariat went on leave on January 13 and now it is learnt that he has sought further extension of his leave from the Personnel department.
Pariat was absent from the crucial meet with the pressure groups to discuss the issue of ILP on January 15. Warjri had, then, officiated as the Chief Secretary.
It is unclear whether the long leave sought by the Chief Secretary has anything to do with the recent criticism from several quarters against the extension of six more months given to him by the Congress-led MUA-II Coalition.
Pariat was also embroiled in a controversy related to the use of an official bungalow at Bivar Road in the city.
Meanwhile, an official source informed that Pariat has taken leave on health grounds.
