J&K: EC suspends appointment of Army Colonel as SSP over model code violation

New Delhi [India], October 1 (ANI): The Election Commission of India on Monday suspended the appointment of Colonel Vikrant Prasher from the Indian Army as SSP (Training) and Special (Ops) in J&K Police. The Commission has asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to explain why such an order was issued without prior approval while the Model Code of Conduct is in effect.

The poll body requested the Chief Secretary to submit a compliance report by October 1, along with an explanation for issuing the order without the Commission’s prior consent.

The order from the Election Commission of India’s Secretariat, issued on September 30, stated: “The Commission has observed that the Model Code of Conduct is in effect in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, and as such, there is a ban on the transfer of officers connected to the election. Without delving into the rationale, process, and urgency of appointing an Army officer as SSP on the civil side during the MCC, the Commission hereby directs that the order be kept in abeyance with immediate effect. If the order has been executed, the situation prior to the issuance of the order shall be restored immediately.”

Furthermore, the Chief Secretary is required to send the compliance report by 11:00 AM on October 1, along with an explanation for the issuance of such an order without the Commission’s approval.

This development comes ahead of the third and final phase of polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir scheduled for October 1.

The counting of votes will take place on October 8.