The Hindu : Gill appointed with Modi's `consent'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 05, 2002

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Gill appointed with Modi's `consent'

By Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi May 4 . According to a senior ministerial source, the appointment of the ``supercop'', K P.S. Gill as a ``security adviser'' to the Chief Minister of Gujarat should not be seen as Central initiative, though the idea probably did emerge in consultations in Delhi.

The rationale for Mr. Gill's assignment is being explained as part of the Modi Government's desire to restore its credibility within and outside the State.

Those in the know of things stress that the Gill appointment was finally the Chief Minister's decision.

``He is going with Mr. Modi's consent, not against his wishes,'' said a friend of the Chief Minister.

It is being pointed out that Mr. Gill belongs to the a minority community as does the new chief coordinator of relief operations.

The idea is to put a new interface between the riots victims and the State administration.

The rationale for inducting a seasoned anti-terrorist expert as Security Adviser to the Chief Minister is believed to be a perception that from March 18 the violence in Gujarat was largely ``instigated.''

Hence, the need for an officer like Mr. Gill to help the Gujarat police acquire a new professional sensitivity.

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