ECI halts appointment of Army officer as SSP in J&K amid Model Code of Conduct

Srinagar, Sep 30: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has put the appointment of Colonel Vikrant Prasher from the Indian Army as SSP (Training) and Special Operations in Jammu and Kashmir Police on hold, citing the ongoing Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the region.

According to a communication addressed to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, a copy of which lies with Greater Kashmir reads, issued on September 27, 2024, which outlined the appointment of Colonel Vikrant Prasher from the Indian Army’s High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg to the SSP (Training) and Special Operations role in J&K Police.

However, the Commission pointed out that the MCC restricts the transfer or posting of officials involved in election duties. It emphasized that the appointment should not have been made during this period without prior approval from the Commission. Despite the reasons for the appointment, the Commission ordered that it be put on hold immediately and that the situation revert to the state prior to the issuance of the order.

“The Chief Secretary has been instructed to submit a compliance report by 11:00 AM on October 1, 2024, explaining why the order was issued without seeking clearance from the Election Commission,” it reads.