Meghalaya’s police chief tenure ending; VPP seeks speedy appointment

Shillong, Oct 15 – As the term of Meghalaya’s current Director General of Police (DGP), Idashisha Nongrung, approaches its conclusion, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) has called on the state administration to expedite the appointment of her successor. Nongrung’s original two‑year tenure, which began on May 20, 2024, is set to expire on May 19, 2026, but a six‑month extension granted by the centre extends her service to November 19, 2026.

VPP alleges that the state has not yet forwarded the required proposal to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), despite a formal reminder from the commission in September urging compliance with Supreme Court guidelines on senior police postings. Party spokesperson A.W. Rani demanded a transparent explanation of the steps taken so far and asked for a copy of all correspondence with the UPSC.

The opposition argues that the continued delay jeopardises the stability of the police hierarchy and could lead to an administrative vacuum once the extended term concludes. Rani emphasized that the UPSC’s role in preparing a panel of eligible officers should be supported by timely action from the state government.

The VPP’s demand underscores the broader issue of adhering to the standard protocol for police chief appointments, a process intended to ensure merit‑based selection and prevent politicisation. The party urges the Meghalaya government to move swiftly, submit the proposal to the UPSC, and avoid any uncertainty in the state’s law‑enforcement leadership.