SHILLONG, March 5 - A year after his service extension was rejected by Centre, Meghalaya Government has appointed former Director General of Police, Rajiv Mehta as the security advisor of the State.
Mehta retired from service last year, however, his exit was marred with suspense as the State wanted to extend his service by petitioning the Central Government.
Till the last day of his service it wasn�t known if Mehta would stay or go. In the end, the Centre rejected the State�s petition and Mehta had to step down.
Now the Cabinet through a decision on Friday has brought back Mehta as the State security advisor.
The Cabinet took the decision on Mehta�s appointment after the Political department made the proposal and the Home (Police) Department recommended it.
According to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Mehta would hold the post for a period of one year. If there would be further extension is unclear as of now.
The CM said the State Government stands to gain with Mehta�s vast experience on militant-related issues.
Sangma said this experience would be an asset for the State to strengthen internal security, tackle insurgency-related problems and also taking care of the 443 km long Indo-Bangla international border.
During Mehta�s tenure a large number of militants surrendered last year. The surrenders and disbanding of a militant outfit in Garo Hills has provided some hope for peace to return in violence-hit Garo Hills region.
Mehta, according to the CM, would also help in coordination of the State security forces with other Northeastern counterparts.
Moreover, the former DGP would also be assigned the responsibility to strengthen police-public relationships and further give inputs on human rights issues, Sangma added.
