Dimapur, November 2 (MExN): The Rising People’s Party (RPP), on November 2, has written to the Chief Election Commissioner of India (ECI) asking for the “removal of incumbent DGP in view of his irregular appointment and Supreme Court observation.”
The letter, released to the media here, alleged that the 6 months service extension given to current Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP), T John Longkumer, who had “retired on August 31, 2022,” on the recommendation of the State Government was in “blatant disregard” of the SC’s guidelines.
“It is nothing but abuse of state power for which your authority is requested to take cognizance on the subject matter,” asserted the letter signed by the RPP Secretary, Akum Longkumer.
Among others, the RPP alleged that the letter written by the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to the Home Minister of India, Amit Shah on August 25 to retain the services of the present DGP was a “crystal clear indication” that it was for “political reasons.”
The CM’s letter, as per the RPP, mentioned that the State is “facing assembly elections in a few months’ time and it is essential to have continuity at the top leadership of the police force to deal with any law and order problems that may arise during elections.”
It is very clear that from the CM’s letter that the State intends to “manipulate the police force and the administrative machinery to subvert free and fair elections,” it highlighted.
In addition, the RPP maintained that the letter of the UPSC to the State Chief Secretary on April 1, clearly “refused to entertain” the retention of the present DGP as the latter had already superannuated from service.
Given the circumstances, the RPP said that the Nagaland Law Students’ Federation approached the the SC for redressal and the Apex Court on October 17 passed an order stating: “In view of the communication which has been issued by the UPSC on 1st April 2022, the state of Nagaland must immediately send the list of empanelled officers for appointment to the post of DGP.”
“…The list of eligible officers who are empanelled shall be communicated to the UPSC no later than 31 October 2022. The UPSC shall take a decision thereon on or before 30 November 2022.”
Accordingly, the RPP has requested the ECI to take steps for the removal of the incumbent DGP in view of his irregular appointment and Supreme Court observation.
