Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, which met here on Thursday, ordered a major reshuffle in both police and administration, shifting about 30 senior officials from their present responsibilities.
Officially, the transfers and new postings have been termed as a “routine” but sources said that the move is aimed at making both the state administration and the police department more efficient and responsive to meet the challenges posed by weeks of unrest in the Valley.
The Cabinet, which met with chief minister Omar Abdullah in Chair approved the transfer of Mr Samuel Verghese, financial commissioner (home) and posting him as chairman, J&K special tribunal.
Mr Khushid A. Ganai, principal secretary to chief minister has been transferred and posted as principal secretary, planning and development department whereas the present incumbent Mr B.R. Sharma has been appointed as principal secretary, home. Mr Bharat Bhushan Vyas, commissioner secretary, planning and development department will be the new principal secretary to the chief minister.
Ms Naseema Lankar, divisional commissioner, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as commissioner secretary, school education.
Mr Asgar Hassan Samoon, will replace her as a divisional commissioner, Kashmir, the highest civilian post covering Kashmir division and Ladakh.
Mr K. Rajendra, additional director general of police-ADGP-(CID), has been transferred and posted ADGP armed/law and order. In respect of law and order matters, the two zonal IGs of Kashmir and Jammu shall report to ADGP armed/law and order under the overall command and control of DGP, J&K.
Mr.S.M. Sahai, OSD in resident commissioner’s office, New Delhi, has been transferred and posted as IGP, Kashmir replacing Mr Farooq Ahmed who is the new IGP security.