JOIN USThe Centre is stated to be looking out for a replacement for Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra who has held the post for the last eight years.
The search for Vohra’s successor has assumed significance in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation in the Kashmir Valley after the killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to be looking out for a person who could play a crucial role in the state by lending support and guidance to the PDP-BJP coalition government led by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
Mehbooba, who enjoys Modi’s confidence, is facing a major crisis following the wave of violence and police action for the first time since she assumed office in April this year.
Modi, who reviewed the security situation with officials on Tuesday, is understood to have discussed the issue with senior ministers. It is not clear yet whether the prime minister is looking for a retired military hand or a veteran politician who can help in steering the administration towards better governance and security measures.
The criteria for the new governor could be such that he/she should command credibility and enjoys support from across wide sections of the society, officials said.
The new governor will also be required particularly to oversee the proper utilisation of the Centre’s special package that envisages speedy development across the state, creating jobs for Kashmiri youths who are venting their anger in the present cycle of violence.
The Centre is alarmed that the administration appeared to have been caught off guard by the anger of the people, which appears to be different from the violent incidents in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The Centre realises that it cannot afford to go slow on neutralising terrorists, though the current spell of militancy has attracted many youth from well-educated families.
The 80-year-old Vohra is the first civilian governor in 18 years after Jagmohan who served the state in two spells, 1984 to 1986 and for a few months in 1990.
Vohra succeeded Lt Gen S K Sinha who served the state from 2003 to 2008 after he was shifted from Assam.
Prior to that, former Research and Analysis Wing chief Girish Chandra Saxena had served in the post from 1990 to 1993 and again from 1998 to 2003.