NPF criticises move to replace DGP
Source: Press Bureau, NPF *
Kohima, April 10 2018:
The Naga People's Front is alarmed at the move made by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y Patton to replace the present Director General of Police, Nagaland ostensibly over the latter refusing to make back door appointments in the Police department as desired by the former.
Patton has a track record of flouting all norms and procedures to get his candidates appointed or allotted contract and supply works.
His wayward behavior whilst running the administration was a major source of embarrassment to the last ministry and he was dropped from the Ministry, albeit at the fag end of the tenure, and severely reprimanded.
That such a character was tasked with crucial and important department like Home by the PDA was worrisome.
The only consolation, though, was that an upright, innovative and capable officer like Rupin Sharma, IPS, was made the DGP, and Naga people, cutting across political party lines and without bias or favour, were confident that the officer would ensure rule of law and not succumb to pressures from corrupt powers-that-be.
Indeed, the innovative changes that the incumbent DGP had introduced in the Police department are remarkable and he had endeared himself to the people, especially the netizens through his interactions with them on social media.
Patton's discomfiture with such an incorruptible and impartial officer is understandable considering that he, Patton, is known for nepotism, favouritism and unscrupulous style of functioning.
Therefore, in the interest of not only the department but the whole State the PDA Government must rescind Patton's attempts to replace the incumbent DGP.
Moreover, the excuses furnished by Patton to the Union Home Minister are flimsy and clearly exposes the malafide intentions of the Deputy Chief Minister.
Rather than look into the number of years an officer has served, he should consider the performance index of the officer.
Also the PDA Government must keep in mind the ruling of the Supreme Court on a PIL in 2006 in the case of Prakash Singh Vs Union of India where it noted that "The Director General of Police of the State� once he has been selected for the job, he should have a minimum tenure of at least two years irrespective of his date of superannuation" .
It is not that the NPF has anything against the proposed officer to replace the incumbent.
It is just that the ill-designs of the Deputy Chief Minister/ Home Minister are obvious and the kind of changes he has in mind to usher in will surely not augur well for the department or the State.
* The sender of this news can be contacted at npfpressbureau(AT)rediffmail(DOT)com .