ECI directs J&K govt to put order of posting of Army Colonel as SSP in abeyance

Srinagar: The Election Commission of India on Monday directed the Jammu & Kashmir government to put the order of appointment of a colonel of an Army as senior superintendent of police in abeyance.
In an order the Commission has directed the authorities to put the order in abeyance and explain why such order was issued without seeking its permission.
On September 27, the J&K government appointed Colonel Vikrant Prasher, Para, High Altitude Warfare School, Gulmarg from the Army as SSP (Training) and Special (Ops) in J&K Police.
“The Commission has observed that the Model Code of Conduct is in force in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and as such there is a ban on transfer of officers connected to election is in force. Without going, at this stage into the rationale, process and urgency of posting of an Army officer as SSP in the civil side during the period of operation of MCC, the Commission hereby directs that the order shall be kept in abeyance with immediate effect,” reads the ECI order.
The poll-body has asked the chief secretary to submit a compliance report by today morning along with an explanation why such an order was issued. “If order has been executed, the position before issue of order shall be restored with immediate effect.
The Chief Secretary shall send the compliance report by 11.00 am on 01.10.2024 along with an explanation as to why such order was issued without taking prior permission of the Commission,” the poll-body said