Mokokchung, November 2 (MTNews): The Rising People’s Party (RPP) of Nagaland has once again demanded the removal of Nagaland DGP T. John Longkumer who has been reinstated on the recommendation of the state government after his retirement in August for another 6 months, this time by taking the matter to the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
The RPP, on November 2, has written to the CEC of India appealing for the “removal of incumbent DGP in view of his irregular appointment and Supreme Court observation.” The RPP letter to the CEC was also released to the media.
RPP alleged in the letter that the 6 months service extension of Nagaland DGP T. John Longkumer on the recommendation of the state government, “who had retired on 31st August 2022,” was in blatant disregard of the Supreme Court of India guidelines. RPP also wrote that it was “nothing but abuse of state power for which your authority is requested to take cognizance on the subject matter.”
It was also mentioned that the letter written by Chief Minister Rio to the Home Minister of India Amit Shah “is a crystal clear indication that the state government wants to retain the services of the present DGP for political reasons.”
RPP claimed in the letter that on 25 August 2022, the Chief Minister’s letter mentioned that “It is also worth mentioning 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 (copy of the letter enclosed).”
The underlying meaning of the Chief Minister’s letter, RPP said, is very clear that the state intends to manipulate the police force and the administrative machinery to subvert free and fair elections.
Further, RRP wrote, “The letter of the UPSC to the chief secretary dated 1st April 2022, clearly refused to entertain T. John Longkumer since the latter had already superannuated from service, and that he was required to be deleted from the eligibility list as sent by the state government (copy of the letter enclosed).”
Given the circumstances, RPP added, the Nagaland Law Students’ Federation/Vitho Zao approached the Supreme Court of India for redressal. Thus, it said, the Supreme Court vide Writ Petition (Civil) No. 310/1996, dated 17/10/2022, passed the order that, “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 (copy of the court order enclosed).”
“Once again your authority is requested to take steps for the removal of the incumbent DGP in view of his irregular appointment and Supreme Court observation,” RPP urged the CEC.
Acharya refuses Nagaland DGP post
As per a document from the Ministry of Home Affairs addressed to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland dated November 1, which has been doing the rounds in public domain, it was stated that the matter of consideration of the name of A. Sunil Acharya, a 1991 batch IPS officer of Nagaland cadre, to be included in a panel for the post of DGP Nagaland has been considered at an appropriate level.
The letter also stated that, however, Acharya “would like to continue on deputation with the Government of India and does not wish to be considered for a posting as DGP Nagaland.”
The document was in reference to a Government of Nagaland letter dated October 25, 2022.